got afraid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got afraid" is not standard in written English; the correct form is "became afraid" or "got scared." You can use it in informal spoken English, but it is better to use more standard expressions in writing.
Example: "When the lights went out, I got afraid and didn't know what to do."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"I got afraid of him.

The Guardian

I got afraid and continued our cooperation".

The New York Times

He had got afraid that I would leave, and hidden the boot".

The Guardian

"I was in Australia and I saw Sputnik and I got afraid.

The Guardian - Music

"When I saw the soldier with 'Operation No Living Thing' on his back, I got afraid," he said.

The New York Times

"I think many people got afraid to be noticed," said Jaime Salgado, 37, an immigrant who works as a bus boy at a city restaurant.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"People didn't get afraid.

The New York Times

"Of course you get afraid," he said.

The New York Times

That is when I get afraid".

The Guardian - Film

Sometimes of course you get afraid.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm starting to get afraid.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "got afraid" is commonly used in spoken English, prefer more formal alternatives like "became afraid" or "was frightened" in written communication, especially in academic or professional settings.

Common error

Avoid using "got afraid" in academic papers or professional reports. Opt for stronger, more precise verbs and adjectives to convey the feeling of fear, such as "became terrified", "felt apprehensive", or "was alarmed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got afraid" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a state of being. It indicates that someone experienced the emotion of fear. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is usable in spoken English, but it can be improved in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "got afraid" is a common way to express the feeling of becoming fearful, but its appropriateness depends on the context. While perfectly acceptable in informal settings and spoken English, it's often advisable to use more formal alternatives like "became afraid" or "was frightened" in academic or professional writing. Ludwig AI underlines the fact that this phrase it's usable in spoken English, but it can be improved in written English. As highlighted by the usage analysis, "got afraid" appears most frequently in news and media sources, suggesting a neutral to slightly informal register. For a more polished and impactful writing style, consider using stronger verbs and adjectives to convey the specific nuance of fear you wish to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

got scared

Synonymous and more commonly used in informal contexts.

became afraid

More formal and grammatically standard alternative.

was frightened

Passive voice, emphasizing the state of being frightened.

grew fearful

Implies a gradual increase in fear.

felt fear

Focuses on the sensation of fear.

became anxious

Highlights the anxiety aspect of fear.

was apprehensive

More formal and suggests anxiety about the future.

took fright

Suggests a sudden and intense fear.

got worried

Indicates concern and unease.

lost courage

Highlights the loss of bravery due to fear.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "got afraid"?

More formal alternatives include "became afraid", "was frightened", or "grew fearful". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "got afraid" grammatically correct?

While commonly used in spoken English, "got afraid" is considered less grammatically correct than "became afraid" or "got scared". Use it sparingly in formal writing.

When is it appropriate to use "got afraid"?

"Got afraid" is suitable for informal conversations, personal narratives, and creative writing where a more conversational tone is desired. Avoid it in formal reports or academic papers.

What's the difference between "got afraid" and "got scared"?

The phrases are nearly synonymous, but "got scared" is generally considered more common and slightly more informal than "got afraid". Both are acceptable in casual contexts.