is very afraid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is very afraid" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is experiencing a high level of fear or anxiety about a situation. Example: "When she heard the loud noise outside, she realized she is very afraid of thunderstorms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"He is very afraid of ridicule".

The New York Times - Books

One thing is for sure, though: Max Brooks is very afraid of something.

The New York Times - Magazine

Why didn't you send any letter to your mother, she is very afraid of yours?

The New Yorker

The artist wrote to Kamal, "What you're doing makes him" — Sisi — "come off as a man who is very afraid of the impact of art.

The New Yorker

I have abused Brooklyn so much that now she is very poor in class and a child who is very afraid.

The Guardian

Friends and family are always sort of mystified by the things I remember, so I think that maybe there's some unconscious part of me that is very afraid of losing things.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"People are very afraid".

The Economist

Be very afraid.

The New York Times - Science

I'm very afraid".

The Guardian

So be very afraid.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Las Vegas was very afraid.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is very afraid", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. For a more formal tone, "is deeply fearful" might be preferable, while "is scared stiff" adds a colloquial touch.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "very" to intensify emotions. Instead of "is very afraid", consider stronger, more descriptive words like "terrified", "petrified", or "panic-stricken" to create a greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is very afraid" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's emotional state. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it accurately portrays a high level of fear or anxiety. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe individuals, groups, or even entities like governments.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is very afraid" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a significant level of fear. According to Ludwig AI, it's acceptable for use in various contexts, though more nuanced or formal alternatives might be preferable in certain situations. Common across news, business, and scientific domains, it effectively communicates apprehension and anxiety. When employing this phrase, consider the desired intensity and the potential for stronger vocabulary to enhance impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is deeply fearful

Emphasizes the intensity and depth of the fear experienced.

is terrified

Implies a state of extreme fear, often sudden and overwhelming.

is petrified

Implies being so frightened that one is unable to move or act.

is frightened

A more general term for experiencing fear; slightly less intense than "terrified".

is filled with dread

Suggests a pervasive and intense feeling of fear or apprehension about something in the future.

is scared stiff

An idiom expressing extreme fear that causes immobility.

is in a state of panic

Describes a sudden, overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety.

is apprehensive

Suggests a feeling of anxiety or unease about something that might happen.

is quaking in their boots

An idiomatic expression indicating extreme fear or nervousness.

is anxious

Implies a state of worry and nervousness, often about an uncertain event.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "is very afraid"?

You can use alternatives like "is terrified", "is deeply fearful", or "is frightened" depending on the context.

How do I use "is very afraid" in a sentence?

Use "is very afraid" to describe someone experiencing a significant level of fear. For example: "She is very afraid of heights" or "He is very afraid of public speaking".

Which is correct, "is very afraid" or "is much afraid"?

"Is very afraid" is the standard and grammatically correct phrasing. "Is much afraid" is less common and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

What's the difference between "is afraid" and "is very afraid"?

"Is afraid" indicates a general feeling of fear, while "is very afraid" suggests a higher intensity or degree of fear. The addition of "very" intensifies the emotion.