less afraid to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less afraid to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a reduction in fear or hesitation regarding a specific action or situation. Example: "After attending the workshop, I felt less afraid to speak in public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"I was less afraid to be embarrassed".

The New Yorker

"When they bump against unfair treatment, they are less afraid to challenge authority," she said.

The New York Times

Why she was less afraid to die is hard for her to explain.

The New York Times - Magazine

Israelis are less afraid to frequent restaurants and markets.Violence still erupts occasionally.

The Economist

There will be room for different styles of music, for different political perspectives, for stations less afraid to experiment.

The New York Times

Parks are not littered with syringes, and mothers say they are less afraid to let their children play outside.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Changes to employment law, it has been argued, would improve the supply of suitable staff to firms, who would be less afraid of having to make large payouts or face legal action when laying off those who were no longer needed.

BBC

Much of the discourse around Lean In, she said, communicated that women simply need to be more confident or less afraid in order to succeed.

Huffington Post

Some consumer advocates and policy experts say the insurers may be increasing rates for fear of charging too little, and they may be less afraid of having to refund some of the money than risk losing money.

The New York Times

Maybe they'll be less afraid than we to love with their whole hearts, with 100percentt, not 75percentt or 50percentt.

Huffington Post

Alsoitages via.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less afraid to" when you want to emphasize a decrease in fear that enables a specific action. For example, "After the training, employees were "less afraid to" speak up about safety concerns".

Common error

Avoid using "less afraid to" when the situation involves a complete absence of fear. Instead, use phrases like "confident in" or "certain about" to convey a sense of complete assurance, since "less afraid to" implies some fear still exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less afraid to" functions as a qualifier, modifying a verb to indicate a reduced state of fear or apprehension when undertaking an action. This often implies a newfound willingness or increased confidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less afraid to" effectively conveys a reduction in fear, enabling action or expression. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and broadly applicable. Its usage is common in News & Media, and it also appears in scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a decrease in fear rather than complete confidence. Alternatives include "more willing to" or "less hesitant to". By understanding its nuances, writers can use "less afraid to" to precisely communicate shifts in attitude and capability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more willing to

Indicates a greater readiness or inclination, shifting focus from fear to willingness.

less hesitant to

Emphasizes reduced reluctance or reservation, suggesting a milder form of fear reduction.

more inclined to

Highlights a stronger preference or tendency, indirectly implying diminished fear.

more disposed to

Similar to "more inclined to", suggesting a favorable attitude that overrides fear.

less apprehensive about

Specifically addresses reduced anxiety or unease about something.

more comfortable with

Indicates a greater sense of ease and familiarity, which can lessen fear.

less concerned about

Focuses on reduced worry or concern, implying that fear is no longer a primary factor.

more open to

Suggests a greater receptiveness and acceptance, which can help diminish fear.

braver in

Directly addresses increase in bravery in one specific case.

not as scared to

A more informal way of expressing reduced fear, suitable for casual contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "less afraid to" in a sentence?

Use "less afraid to" to indicate a reduction in fear regarding a specific action. For example: "After the workshop, I felt "less afraid to" express my opinions openly."

What are some alternatives to saying "less afraid to"?

You can use alternatives like "more willing to", "less hesitant to", or "more comfortable with" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less afraid to"?

Yes, "less afraid to" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to indicate a decrease in fear or apprehension.

What's the difference between "less afraid to" and "more confident in"?

"Less afraid to" suggests a reduction in fear, while "more confident in" implies an increase in assurance and self-belief. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the decrease in fear or the increase in confidence.