i am terrified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I am terrified" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a strong feeling of fear or anxiety about a situation or event. Example: "As the storm approached, I realized I am terrified of thunder and lightning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

I am terrified.

Independent

"I am terrified," she said.

Independent

"I am terrified," he admits.

The Guardian

But mainly, I am terrified.

The New York Times - Arts

But increasingly I am terrified for them.

The New York Times - Books

And I am terrified of being weak.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

I was terrified initially.

BBC

I'm terrified, terrified".

The New Yorker

Still, I was terrified.

The New York Times

Instead, I'm terrified.

Independent

I was terrified, really.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the intensity of the emotion you want to convey. While "i am terrified" is strong, alternatives like "i am anxious" or "i am fearful" might be more appropriate for milder situations.

Common error

While "i am terrified" is a powerful expression, overusing it can diminish its impact. Vary your language by using synonyms or describing the physical sensations of fear to create a more nuanced portrayal of your emotions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i am terrified" functions as a declarative statement expressing a subjective feeling of intense fear. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples illustrate its use across diverse contexts, from personal anxieties to global concerns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "i am terrified" serves as a potent expression of intense fear, widely used across diverse contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and readily understood. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, the phrase conveys a strong emotional state intended to evoke empathy or understanding. While powerful, it's advisable to use it judiciously, considering synonyms for milder situations. Top authoritative sources include Huffington Post, The Guardian and The New York Times. When choosing to use "i am terrified", bear in mind that the level of intensity should be appropriate to the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i am fearful

Direct synonym for afraid, indicating a state of being scared or frightened.

i am petrified with fear

Similar to scared stiff, highlighting the immobilizing effect of fear.

i am consumed by fear

Highlights the all-encompassing nature of the fear, suggesting it dominates one's thoughts.

i am scared stiff

Emphasizes the intensity of fear, implying a state of paralysis or shock.

i am quaking with fear

Uses imagery to describe the physical manifestation of intense fear.

i am in a state of panic

Indicates a sudden and overwhelming feeling of terror or anxiety.

i am filled with dread

Focuses on the feeling of intense apprehension about something in the future.

i am dreading it

Focuses on the anticipation of something negative, causing fear or anxiety.

i am apprehensive

Conveys a sense of unease or anxiety about a future event or situation.

i am anxious

A more general term for worry and unease, often less intense than terrified.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "i am terrified"?

Use "i am terrified" to express a strong feeling of fear, alarm, or dread about a specific situation, event, or possibility. Ensure the intensity of the phrase matches the context. Lighter situations may be better suited for alternatives like "i am scared" or "i am worried".

What can I say instead of "i am terrified" to express a similar feeling?

You can use alternatives like "i am fearful", "i am petrified", or "i am filled with dread" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "i am terrified" formal or informal?

"I am terrified" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, consider whether a less emotionally charged phrase might be more appropriate.

How does "i am terrified" differ from "i am scared"?

While both phrases express fear, "i am terrified" suggests a more intense and overwhelming sense of fear than "i am scared". "Terrified" implies a higher degree of alarm or dread.