grow afraid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grow afraid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of becoming increasingly fearful or anxious about something over time. Example: "As the storm approached, I could feel myself begin to grow afraid of what might happen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I've begun to grow afraid — so awfully afraid — of the young," he says).

The New Yorker

But then you might hurt each other to gain your wishes, and grow afraid of each other, and still go on wanting".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Then I grew afraid.

The New Yorker

The rich have grown afraid of screens.

The New York Times

More came, their mouths open, and I grew afraid.

Independent

Politicians have grown afraid to criticize war, for fear of appearing to criticize soldiers.

The New York Times

In both cases, investors first showed relief, then grew afraid again.

The New York Times

She quickened her step, but then grew afraid that she had startled him.

The New Yorker

She had recently told friends she had grown afraid of her husband because they had been fighting so much.

The Guardian

But then she grew afraid that it might be stolen, so she carefully secreted it away in a closet.

The New York Times - Arts

Maurice's grades were declining as he spent more time with Kristina; he was trying unsuccessfully to break up with her, losing control, growing afraid.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grow afraid", consider what is causing the fear and make it explicit. This adds depth and clarity to the sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "grow afraid" to describe a sudden, immediate fright. The phrase implies a gradual process, so it's less fitting for instantaneous reactions. Instead, opt for terms like "became scared" or "was startled" to better convey the immediacy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow afraid" functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective. It describes a process of becoming increasingly fearful or apprehensive. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatical and suitable for use in writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grow afraid" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe the gradual development of fear. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using "grow afraid", ensure that the context implies a gradual increase in fear rather than a sudden onset. Alternatives like "become fearful" or "start to fear" can provide similar meanings, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Pay attention to the gradual development of the emotion that this phrase tries to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become fearful

Focuses on the resulting state of being filled with fear.

start to fear

Highlights the beginning of the feeling of fear.

grow anxious

Emphasizes increasing anxiety or worry.

become apprehensive

Implies a more formal and considered sense of unease.

develop a fear

Focuses on the formation of a specific fear.

begin to dread

Highlights the anticipation of something negative.

feel intimidated

Suggests feeling threatened or overwhelmed.

lose confidence

Emphasizes a decrease in self-assurance.

find yourself scared

Highlights the sudden awareness of being scared.

get cold feet

A more idiomatic way to express growing apprehension before a significant event.

FAQs

How can I use "grow afraid" in a sentence?

You can use "grow afraid" to describe a gradual increase in fear. For instance, "As the storm raged, she began to "grow afraid" of the rising floodwaters."

What are some alternatives to "grow afraid"?

Alternatives include "become fearful", "start to fear", or "grow anxious", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "grew afraid" instead of "grow afraid"?

Yes, "grew afraid" is the past tense form of "grow afraid" and is perfectly correct when describing a past event. For example, "He "grew afraid" as the shadows lengthened."

What is the difference between "grow afraid" and "become afraid"?

"Grow afraid" suggests a more gradual and evolving process of becoming fearful, while "become afraid" can imply a more sudden or distinct shift into a state of fear.