he was fearful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was fearful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is experiencing fear or anxiety about a situation. Example: "As the storm approached, he was fearful of what might happen to his home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was fearful of reprisal.

Harvard Business Review

(He was fearful of repercussions should his name be used).

The New Yorker

He added he was fearful of the "trendies" liking his work.

Independent

"When he withdrew his bid, he was fearful, very fearful," Father Reilly said of Mr. Bowers.

The New York Times

He was fearful, he said, of a backlash from Southern television affiliates, but that didn't happen.

The New York Times - Arts

But he was fearful of personally lobbying Menzies to shift it.

The Guardian

His family and friends speculate he was fearful of something, but they don't know what.

The Washington Post

He said he was fearful at first about the extent of the injury.

The New York Times - Sports

Before the game, he was fearful that the Spurs did not respect the Nets.

The New York Times - Sports

When Dr. Rampel adopted Bandit from a shelter, he was fearful of people and dogs alike.

The New York Times

However, psychiatric reports from the time suggested he was fearful of his fellow inmates and refused to exercise with them.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when choosing between "he was fearful" and its synonyms. "Fearful" can sometimes carry a slightly more formal or literary tone than alternatives like "afraid" or "scared".

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "he was fearful" in very casual conversation might sound overly formal or unnatural. Opt for more common alternatives like "he was scared" or "he was afraid" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was fearful" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating a subject's emotional state. It uses the pronoun "he" as the subject, the verb "was" as a linking verb, and "fearful" as a predicate adjective describing the subject's condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he was fearful" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone experiencing fear or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and real-world applicability of this phrase. While it may sound slightly more formal than alternatives like "he was afraid" or "he was scared", its frequent use in news articles and other reliable sources demonstrates its versatility. When choosing between this phrase and its synonyms, consider the context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was afraid

This is a more common and direct synonym, lacking the slight formality of "fearful".

he was scared

A more informal and immediate expression of fear.

he felt apprehensive

Expresses anxiety or unease about a future event, focusing on anticipation of something negative.

he was terrified

Expresses a very strong degree of fear, bordering on panic.

he was anxious

Implies a state of worry and nervousness, often about something specific.

he felt trepidation

Emphasizes a feeling of worry or fear about something that is going to happen.

he dreaded

Focuses on anticipating something with great fear or aversion.

he was alarmed

Indicates a sudden feeling of fear and concern.

he was in a state of alarm

Conveys the idea of being in a state of alertness due to the perception of imminent danger or threat.

he was uneasy

Suggests a mild form of anxiety or discomfort.

FAQs

What's the difference between "he was fearful" and "he was afraid"?

While both phrases express fear, "he was fearful" can sometimes imply a slightly more prolonged or intense state of anxiety compared to the more general "he was afraid".

When is it best to use "he was fearful"?

Use "he was fearful" when you want to emphasize the depth or intensity of someone's fear, or when writing in a more formal or literary style. It is fitting when the character is facing an uncertain future or potential negative consequences.

Are there situations where "he was fearful" might not be appropriate?

In very casual conversations or informal writing, "he was fearful" might sound overly formal. Simpler alternatives like "he was scared" or "he was afraid" might be more suitable.

What are some alternative phrases to "he was fearful" that convey a similar meaning?

Other phrases you could use include "he felt apprehensive", "he was anxious", or "he dreaded" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.