frightened by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "frightened by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of fear or anxiety caused by something or someone. Example: "She was frightened by the loud thunder during the storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I'm frightened by my desires, too.

The New York Times

"I'm frightened by that," Mr. Smith said.

The New York Times

He was badly frightened by them.

The New Yorker

"I remember almost being frightened by it.

The New Yorker

Mark isn't frightened by much".

The New York Times - Sports

I was frightened by that".

The Guardian

She's frightened by bugs in the undergrowth.

The New Yorker

The generalissimo was clearly frightened by this.

The Guardian - Books

Were they frightened by the needle?

The New York Times

Aren't you frightened by all this madness?

The Guardian

Are the players frightened by Martin Johnson?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific source of fear, use "frightened by" followed by the object or situation causing the fear. For example, "She was frightened by the sudden noise".

Common error

Avoid using "frightened of" when "frightened by" is more appropriate to indicate the direct cause of fear. "Frightened of" is typically used when describing a general fear or phobia, not a specific trigger.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frightened by" functions as a passive adjectival phrase, describing a state of being affected by fear or alarm caused by something. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Huffington Post

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "frightened by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the feeling of fear caused by a specific stimulus. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. It's commonly found in news, media, and wiki contexts. When using the phrase, ensure it directly relates to the cause of the fear, distinguishing it from general fears which might be better expressed as "frightened of". Considering alternatives such as "scared by" or "afraid of" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scared by

A more common and slightly less formal synonym.

afraid of

A very common alternative, focusing on the feeling of fear.

terrified by

Indicates a high degree of fear and dread.

alarmed by

Implies a sudden sense of danger or worry.

intimidated by

Suggests a feeling of being threatened or overawed.

unnerved by

Suggests a loss of composure or confidence.

spooked by

An informal term suggesting a sudden fright.

apprehensive about

Focuses on anticipating something with anxiety.

worried by

Suggests concern and unease about something.

disturbed by

Implies being bothered or unsettled by something.

FAQs

How can I use "frightened by" in a sentence?

Use "frightened by" to indicate that someone experiences fear due to a specific cause or event. For example, "The child was frightened by the dark."

What are some alternatives to "frightened by"?

You can use alternatives like "scared by", "afraid of", or "intimidated by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "frightened of" instead of "frightened by"?

While "frightened of" is sometimes used, "frightened by" is generally preferred when referring to a specific cause of fear. "Frightened of" is more often used for general fears or phobias.

What's the difference between "frightened by" and "intimidated by"?

"Frightened by" implies a feeling of fear or alarm, while "intimidated by" suggests feeling threatened or lacking confidence in the face of something or someone.