frightened off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "frightened off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something has caused fear or intimidation, leading to someone leaving or retreating. Example: "The loud noise frightened off the birds that were feeding in the garden."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That has frightened off foreign companies.

The Economist

This experience has frightened off many cities since.

The Economist

The Syria-hardened fighters aren't easily frightened off.

The Economist

Investors have been frightened off by the political debate.

The Economist

Yet the noise may have frightened off the assailants.

The Guardian - Books

The local MP called veer (brave) Savarkar a "ferocious, dangerous man who frightened off the British".

The Economist

These networking products have been offered before, but their complexity have frightened off consumers.

MIT Technology Review

Many publishers were frightened off by threats of legal action from the manuscript's critics.

The Guardian

But then, anyone who gets frightened off by a summer straw poll should never compete in Presidential politics.

The New Yorker

But replacing grants with loans too mean to cover living expenses seems to have frightened off some students.

The Economist

The birds could be frightened off by the removal of trees and a long construction disturbance, he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "frightened off", ensure the context clearly indicates what caused the fear and what the subject retreated from. For example, "The loud noise frightened off the birds feeding in the garden."

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating the cause of the fear. Incorrect: "They were frightened off". Correct: "They were "frightened off" by the rumors."

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "frightened off" functions as a causative-resultative verb phrase, indicating that something or someone caused fear, leading to another's departure or avoidance. Ludwig's examples show it's often used to describe deterring actions or investments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Wiki

5%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "frightened off" is a correct and common way to describe someone or something being deterred by fear. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is sound, and it enjoys frequent use across diverse media. While generally neutral in tone, context dictates whether more formal synonyms might be preferable. When using "frightened off", ensure clarity regarding the cause of fear and the resulting action. Ludwig provides numerous examples across varied contexts, making it a valuable resource for understanding this phrase's usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scared away

This alternative suggests a more immediate and fear-based deterrent.

chased away

This option suggests active pursuit to make someone leave.

deterred

This option implies a more deliberate action that discourages someone.

intimidated

This conveys a sense of causing fear to control behavior.

dissuaded

This implies convincing someone not to do something.

discouraged

This implies a loss of confidence or enthusiasm.

warded off

This phrase is more formal and suggests protection from something negative.

repelled

Suggests a strong aversion or dislike that drives someone away.

kept at bay

This alternative focuses on preventing someone or something from approaching or affecting you.

threw off

This implies a sudden and forceful removal of something.

FAQs

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

"Frightened off" is a phrasal verb used to describe someone or something deterred by fear. Example: "The high prices "frightened off" many potential buyers."

What can I say instead of "frightened off"?

You can use alternatives like "scared away", "deterred", or "dissuaded" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "frightened off" and "scared away"?

While similar, "frightened off" may imply a slightly more prolonged or significant deterrent, whereas "scared away" suggests a more immediate reaction to a sudden fear.

Is "frightened off" formal or informal?

"Frightened off" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might opt for a more sophisticated synonym like "deterred".