scared about

USAGE SUMMARY

'scared about' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about feeling scared or anxious about something. For example: I am scared about what the future holds for us.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There's nothing to be scared about".

The New Yorker

What are we so scared about?

Huffington Post

"There is nothing to be scared about," she says.

Unicef

They're very scared about Aleppo.

The New York Times

Everyone is scared about something.

The New Yorker

"I'm really scared about it.

The Guardian

People get scared about it".

The Guardian - Books

I'm still scared about food.

The Guardian - Books

No point in being scared about it.

The Economist

"Everybody's scared about change," he said.

The New York Times

"I am very scared about this.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scared about", ensure that the object of your fear is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "I'm scared about things", specify "I'm scared about the future of the company."

Common error

Avoid using "scared about" in excessively broad contexts. While grammatically correct, stating "I'm scared about everything" lacks specificity and diminishes the impact of the statement. Focus on articulating the particular source of your fear instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scared about" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, describing a state of being where someone experiences fear or anxiety concerning a particular subject or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Many examples from Ludwig showcase its role in expressing personal feelings and reactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scared about" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to express feelings of fear or anxiety regarding a specific subject. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, although attention to clarity and specificity can improve its effectiveness. While alternatives like "worried about" or "anxious about" exist, "scared about" effectively conveys a direct sense of fear. It appears frequently in news and media, but also in business and scientific contexts. Therefore, understanding its nuances helps to ensure impactful and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Worried about

Implies a state of anxiety and concern, often less intense than being scared.

Anxious about

Suggests a feeling of unease and nervousness, often focused on future events.

Apprehensive about

Indicates a feeling of dread or anticipation of something unpleasant.

Fearful of

Highlights a sense of dread and aversion, focusing more on the object of fear.

Concerned about

Implies a sense of worry and responsibility, often regarding someone else's well-being.

Uneasy about

Suggests a lack of comfort or peace of mind, often due to uncertainty.

Terrified of

Conveys a more intense level of fear, bordering on panic.

Dreadful of

Expresses a very strong feeling of fear about something that will happen or may happen in the future.

Afraid of

Simple and direct expression of fear. This alternative focuses more on the object of fear and less on the feeling itself.

Alarmed about

Indicates a sudden feeling of fear and shock, often triggered by immediate danger.

FAQs

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

You can use "scared about" to express fear or anxiety regarding a specific topic. For example: "I'm "scared about" the upcoming exam", or "They are "scared about" the potential consequences".

What are some alternatives to "scared about"?

Alternatives to "scared about" include "worried about", "anxious about", or "apprehensive about". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "scared of" instead of "scared about"?

Yes, "scared of" is also correct and commonly used. While both phrases are acceptable, "scared of" might be slightly more prevalent in general usage, whereas "scared about" can emphasize concern or anxiety over a situation or outcome.

When should I use "scared about" versus "afraid about"?

While both convey fear, "afraid" is generally followed by "of", not "about". Therefore, use "scared about" or "afraid of". "Afraid about" is less common and can sound awkward. It is better to use "concerned about" if you want to use the preposition "about".