kind of scared

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of scared" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's feelings when they are feeling a little nervous or afraid about something. For example: I'm feeling kind of scared about going to the doctor for the first time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"They're kind of scared of me, and I'm kind of scared of them," said Mr. Green, whose songs derived much of their power from Willie Mitchell's often subtle production.

The New York Times - Arts

"You're kind of scared.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was that kind of scared".

The New York Times - Sports

It kind of scared me.

The New York Times - Sports

I was, like, kind of scared.

The New York Times - Sports

CARMELO ANTHONY: I was actually kind of scared.

The New Yorker

Running in a straight line kind of scared me.

The New York Times

"It seems like he's kind of scared of the spotlight".

The New York Times

MR. LENO: Well, here's something that kind of scared me.

The New York Times

"We were kind of scared of her," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It wasn't a deep "I'll rip you to shreds" bark, but a yappy, "I'm kind-of-scared" bark.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kind of scared" when you want to express a mild level of fear or apprehension. It's suitable for informal contexts but may be too casual for formal writing.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid "kind of scared" because it can sound unprofessional. Opt for alternatives like "somewhat afraid" or "slightly apprehensive" to maintain a more serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of scared" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a subject, expressing a state of being. According to Ludwig, it describes someone's feelings when they are feeling a little nervous or afraid about something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

20%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kind of scared" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a mild degree of fear or apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and provides numerous examples across various contexts, including news, sports, and opinion pieces. While appropriate for informal settings, it may be less suitable for formal or professional writing, where alternatives like "somewhat afraid" or "slightly apprehensive" might be more appropriate. It's important to consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when deciding whether to use the phrase "kind of scared".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat afraid

Indicates a slightly more formal and reserved expression of fear.

a little frightened

Uses a different synonym for 'scared', providing a slight variation in tone.

slightly apprehensive

Introduces a more formal and nuanced term for unease or anxiety.

a bit nervous

Shifts the focus to nervousness, a related but distinct emotional state.

rather intimidated

Suggests feeling daunted or overwhelmed, implying a specific cause of fear.

mildly alarmed

Emphasizes a sense of warning or threat, making it a slightly stronger expression.

a touch worried

Replaces fear with worry, softening the intensity of the emotion.

uneasy about

Focuses on a general feeling of discomfort or disquiet.

not entirely comfortable

Uses understatement to convey a lack of ease or security.

a little concerned

Highlights worry or concern, rather than outright fear.

FAQs

What does "kind of scared" mean?

The phrase "kind of scared" means to be somewhat afraid or apprehensive, but not intensely so. It expresses a mild level of fear.

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

You might say, "I'm "kind of scared" about the upcoming presentation", indicating you have some nervousness or fear about it.

What are some alternatives to "kind of scared"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat afraid", "a little frightened", or "slightly apprehensive" depending on the context.

Is "kind of scared" grammatically correct?

Yes, "kind of scared" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and informal written English. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.