quite scared

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite scared" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a moderate level of fear or anxiety about a situation. Example: "She was quite scared when she heard the loud noise outside her window."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"I was quite scared," he says.

The Guardian

Apparently his Malayalam is only passable.'" I'm actually quite scared.

The Guardian - Sport

"They were quite scared and not very professional, I thought".

The New York Times - Health

"Men on the whole are quite scared of fashion," says the founder.

The New York Times

I was really quite scared as they were big guys, but he had my back.

Independent

So we were quite scared to take a lot of it on ourselves".

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Unaware of quite how scared and degraded I felt, my fiance used his mobile phone to attempt to film the individuals involved.

The Guardian - Opinion

The best part of my job is when you care for a woman who is clearly very anxious and scared, quite often after a traumatic birth, and after spending some time talking to her and supporting her, you manage to coax a smile.

The Guardian - Opinion

"She oscillated uncomfortably between being somewhat scared and somewhat sceptical, never quite the one or quite the other: an agnostic on this as on so much else, a little envious of the true believers for their easy certitude".

The Guardian - Books

Djokovic looked uncomfortably defiant, as though he had provoked a monster whose strength he had not quite known and now, a little scared, or sad, he felt forced to maintain his bravado in order to see out the fight.

The New Yorker

Quite honestly, I would be more scared to think of how unfulfilled my life would be if I hadn't taken the risk.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite scared" to express a moderate level of fear or anxiety, suitable for both informal and neutral contexts. It suggests more than a slight unease but less than intense terror.

Common error

Avoid using "quite scared" when describing extreme fear or panic. It can downplay the severity of the situation. For stronger emotions, consider alternatives like "terrified" or "petrified."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite scared" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a subject to indicate a moderate level of fear or apprehension. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing personal feelings or observations about someone else's state of mind. The Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "quite scared" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that conveys a moderate level of fear or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English writing. It's versatile enough for various contexts, particularly in news and media, though maintaining a neutral tone. When opting for alternative expressions, options like "somewhat frightened" or "a little afraid" offer comparable shades of meaning. Remember to consider the intensity of emotion you wish to portray to avoid understatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat frightened

Indicates a slightly lesser degree of fear.

a little afraid

Similar in intensity but uses different vocabulary.

rather fearful

A more formal alternative, implying a noticeable level of fear.

pretty anxious

Shifts the focus to anxiety, a related emotion.

slightly worried

Indicates a milder form of concern.

somewhat apprehensive

A more formal and nuanced way of expressing unease.

a bit intimidated

Focuses on fear stemming from a sense of being threatened or overmatched.

rather alarmed

Implies a sudden and heightened sense of fear.

genuinely concerned

Emphasizes worry and care about a particular situation.

uneasy about

Highlights discomfort and lack of ease regarding something.

FAQs

How can I use "quite scared" in a sentence?

You can use "quite scared" to describe a moderate level of fear. For example: "She was "quite scared" when she heard the noise at night."

What are some alternatives to "quite scared"?

Alternatives include "somewhat frightened", "a little afraid", or "rather fearful", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "quite scared" formal or informal?

"Quite scared" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both informal and slightly more formal contexts. However, for very formal situations, consider using "rather fearful".

What's the difference between "quite scared" and "terrified"?

"Quite scared" indicates a moderate level of fear, while "terrified" implies a much stronger, more intense emotion. Use "quite scared" when someone is uneasy or anxious, and "terrified" when someone is experiencing extreme fear.