kind of fearful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of fearful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of mild fear or apprehension about something. Example: "She felt kind of fearful as she approached the dark alley, unsure of what might be lurking in the shadows."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It was a poor place, a kind of fearful place, coming out of the 'Cultural Revolution'.

The Guardian

"A lot of them are kind of fearful of what the Tea Party might do to them".

The New York Times

There is a kind of fearful symmetry between his misapprehension and Captain Gault's, but when Horahan's final destiny becomes linked to both the captain's and Lucy's, it will be more than a thematic parallel.

The New York Times - Books

"We are from the Midwest, so we are kind of fearful of needles because we don't want to walk around with weird puffy lips or stiff foreheads," Ms. Emnett said.

The New York Times

So I was kind of fearful," she told the outlet.

Huffington Post

They loved them, but they were kind of fearful of where the music business was heading, and they really wanted to re-structure our contract and put all these things in it.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Obama and company's clever usage of the term "turn back the clock" conjures up all kinds of fearful images in the minds of black Americans.

The Guardian - Opinion

If scientists kill off the Streptococcus with antibodies, would a potentially explosive Darwinian niche be opened up into which all kinds of fearful unknowns might pour?

The New York Times - Magazine

There were also a few unpersuasive nods to more complicated kinds of fearful things, like divorce and being different, as well as passing references to Nemo and Harry Potter.

The New York Times

But it's in his depiction of a specific kind of helpless and fearful love that Bartlett excels.

The Guardian - Books

The death of his son Ralph in "The Sportswriter" turned Frank into a kind of emotional turtle, fearful of further emotional pain, and several violent events in "Independence Day" only heightened his awareness of the precariousness of life and his own desire to avoid feeling too much.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kind of fearful", consider the context and audience. While acceptable in informal settings, more formal writing might benefit from stronger or more precise vocabulary to convey the specific nuance of fear or apprehension.

Common error

Avoid relying excessively on "kind of" as it can dilute the impact of your writing. If you find yourself frequently using "kind of fearful", explore more descriptive adjectives to more accurately reflect the intensity and nature of the fear, such as "apprehensive", "anxious", or "intimidated".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of fearful" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of mild fear or apprehension. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing people's feelings in various situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kind of fearful" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English to describe a mild state of fear or apprehension. Ludwig AI analysis reveals that while the phrase is appropriate for neutral and informal contexts, it may be less suitable for formal or scientific writing. The provided examples from Ludwig highlight its common use in news and media sources. For more formal settings, consider using stronger or more precise adjectives to convey the intended level of fear or anxiety. Remember that alternatives such as "somewhat afraid" or "a bit scared" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat afraid

Indicates a slightly less intense feeling of fear compared to "kind of fearful".

a bit scared

Suggests a mild level of fear, more informal than "kind of fearful".

slightly apprehensive

Implies a more formal and subtle sense of unease or worry.

rather frightened

Conveys a more pronounced sense of fear, stronger than "kind of fearful".

a little worried

Focuses on the worry aspect of fear, suggesting concern about potential negative outcomes.

somewhat anxious

Highlights the anxiety component, indicating a state of nervousness and unease.

a touch fearful

Uses "touch" to soften the intensity of the fear, making it sound more delicate.

slightly intimidated

Specifies that the fear stems from a feeling of being threatened or overawed.

reasonably afraid

Emphasizes that there's a justifiable basis for the fear.

a shade fearful

Similar to "a touch fearful", implying a very slight degree of fear.

FAQs

How can I use "kind of fearful" in a sentence?

You can use "kind of fearful" to express a mild degree of fear or apprehension. For example, "She was kind of fearful about the upcoming presentation" or "He felt kind of fearful walking alone at night".

What are some alternatives to "kind of fearful"?

Alternatives to "kind of fearful" include "somewhat afraid", "a bit scared", or "slightly apprehensive", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "kind of fearful" or "somewhat fearful"?

Both "kind of fearful" and "somewhat fearful" are grammatically correct. "Somewhat fearful" may sound slightly more formal, but the choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

When should I avoid using "kind of fearful"?

Avoid using "kind of fearful" in highly formal or professional writing where a more precise and impactful adjective would be more effective. Consider alternatives like "anxious", "apprehensive", or "alarmed" to convey a stronger sense of fear.