is very afraid of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is very afraid of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong feeling of fear or anxiety about something or someone. Example: "She is very afraid of spiders, often avoiding places where they might be found."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 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

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

He is very afraid of the exposure that awaits him". Mr Kissinger's lawyer William Rodgers, said that such questions should properly be directed to the US state department and not to Mr Kissinger.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

He was very afraid of NATO.

The New York Times

We are very afraid of nuclear radiation.

The Guardian

I'm very afraid of death.

The New Yorker

"I'm very afraid of horses.

The New York Times

"In the beginning I was very afraid of them.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the object of fear is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Be specific about what is causing the fear, providing context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid overusing "is very afraid of" for minor anxieties. Reserve it for situations involving genuine fear, as overusing it can diminish its impact and sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is very afraid of" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's state of being. It indicates a strong feeling of fear or apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is very afraid of" effectively conveys a strong sense of fear or apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in diverse contexts, although more intense alternatives exist for stronger emphasis. While found across various sources, it is most prevalent in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about the object of fear to avoid ambiguity and reserve it for situations that warrant a genuine expression of fear. Alternatives such as "is terrified of" or "is petrified of" offer greater intensity. The choice depends on the gravity of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is terrified of

Intensifies the feeling of fear, suggesting a higher degree of anxiety.

is petrified of

Similar to "terrified", indicating extreme fear and anxiety.

is scared stiff of

Uses an idiom to emphasize the immobilizing effect of fear.

has a strong fear of

Rephrases the sentiment by highlighting that the subject possesses fear as an attribute.

is deeply apprehensive about

Emphasizes a sense of unease and worry about something that might happen.

is filled with dread regarding

Implies that the subject's mind is occupied with intense fear.

is anxious about

Indicates a state of worry and nervousness.

is concerned about

Signifies a feeling of worry and apprehension regarding a particular issue.

is uneasy about

Suggests a lack of comfort or peace of mind.

is wary of

Implies caution and distrust towards something or someone.

FAQs

How can I use "is very afraid of" in a sentence?

You can use "is very afraid of" to describe someone's intense fear of something. For example, "She "is very afraid of" heights" or "He "is very afraid of" public speaking".

What are some alternatives to "is very afraid of"?

Some alternatives include "is terrified of", "is petrified of", or "has a strong fear of". The choice depends on the intensity of the fear you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is very afraid of"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The structure follows a standard Subject + Verb + Adverb + Adjective + Preposition + Object format.

When should I use "is very afraid of" instead of just "is afraid of"?

Use "is very afraid of" when you want to emphasize the intensity of the fear. It indicates a stronger emotional response compared to simply stating "is afraid of".