must be scared

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be scared" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone is feeling fear or anxiety. For example, "The students must be scared facing such a difficult exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

He must be scared.

The New York Times

"He must be scared now.

Independent

"Nancy, you must be scared to death".

The New York Times

They must be scared of someone".

The New Yorker

Everyone in your family must be scared because you use them in your shows.

The New York Times

Adam "must be scared and wondering what to do", said a spokesman for Proyecto Gran Simio, a campaign group.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Moreover, Putin must be scaring the bejesus out of all the the adjoining countries who have significant Russian populations.

Huffington Post

"We must not be scared about looking at this, nor must we say we know it already, which is what they are effectively saying".

Huffington Post

Cooks must not be scared off by long recipes, but instead appreciate the detailed information they convey.

The New York Times

As he recuperated, he reflected on the experience and deduced that death must hold very little to be scared of.

The Guardian - Opinion

I must admit, I don't know whether to be scared, or intrigued.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be scared", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is causing the fear. The phrase is most effective when the reason for the fear is either explicitly stated or easily inferred.

Common error

Avoid using "must be scared" when the situation warrants a milder expression of concern or apprehension. Overstating the fear can diminish the impact of the statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be scared" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express a deduction or strong likelihood about someone's emotional state, specifically their feeling of fear. It combines the modal verb 'must' with the passive infinitive 'be scared' to convey a high degree of certainty regarding the subject's fear, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "must be scared" is a grammatically correct and commonly used modal verb phrase to express a strong inference or belief about someone's feeling of fear. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and examples demonstrate its frequent usage across news and media, as well as scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context provides clear cues for the inference, and be mindful of potentially overstating the intensity of fear. Consider related phrases like ""must be afraid"" or ""must be terrified"" to fine-tune the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be afraid

Uses a different adjective to convey a similar feeling of fear.

must be frightened

Uses a direct synonym for "scared" to convey fear.

must be terrified

Emphasizes a stronger degree of fear and dread.

must be petrified

Expresses an extreme state of fear, almost paralyzing.

must be anxious

Focuses on the worry and unease associated with fear.

must be apprehensive

Highlights the anticipation of something unpleasant.

must be worried

Indicates a concern or fear about a specific situation.

must be uneasy

Suggests a feeling of discomfort and slight fear.

must be concerned

Implies a level of worry and fear regarding a particular issue.

must be intimidated

Suggests fear caused by someone or something imposing.

FAQs

How can I use "must be scared" in a sentence?

Use "must be scared" to infer someone's fear based on the context. For example, "Seeing the dark alley, she "must be scared" to walk alone".

What are some alternatives to saying "must be scared"?

Alternatives include "must be afraid", "must be terrified", or "must be anxious", depending on the intensity and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "must be scare" instead of "must be scared"?

No, "must be scare" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "must be scared", where "scared" is the past participle of the verb "scare" functioning as an adjective.

What's the difference between "must be scared" and "might be scared"?

"Must be scared" implies a stronger certainty based on the available evidence, whereas "might be scared" suggests a possibility but with less confidence. For example, if a loud noise is heard, saying someone ""must be scared"" indicates a high probability, while saying "might be scared" suggests it's only a possibility.