scared off

USAGE SUMMARY

"scared off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb when referring to making someone or something flee away in fear, usually due to a frightening presence. For example: "The thief was scared off by the shouting downstairs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not scared off?

The New York Times - Arts

That scared off new buyers.

The New York Times

Would adults be scared off?

The New York Times

Her age scared off employers.

The New York Times

They are not easily scared off".

The New York Times - Sports

She wasn't scared off by his work.

The New York Times

Big investors weren't scared off by Katrina.

The New York Times

Scared off by the N.Y.C.L.U.? No.

The New York Times

"We will not be scared off".

The New York Times

"I'm not scared off by it.

The New York Times

Maybe they scared off the competition.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scared off" when you want to convey that someone or something was deterred from taking an action due to fear or apprehension. For example, "High prices scared off potential buyers".

Common error

Avoid using "scared off" as a noun. It is a phrasal verb, so ensure it functions as a verb in your sentences. For example, instead of saying "The scared off was effective", say "The attempt to scare them off was effective".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "scared off" functions as a dynamic verb, indicating an action of deterring or frightening someone or something away. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it often appears with a subject that causes fear and an object that experiences fear.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "scared off" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates deterrence through fear. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When writing, ensure it functions as a verb and consider alternatives like "deterred" or "frightened away" for nuanced expression. Understanding these aspects allows for precise and effective communication using "scared off".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frightened away

Directly conveys the act of causing someone to flee due to fear.

deterred

Implies preventing action through fear or anxiety.

intimidated

Highlights the use of fear to control or prevent action.

daunted

Implies a feeling of being overwhelmed or intimidated.

discouraged

Indicates a loss of confidence or enthusiasm, leading to inaction.

put off

Suggests causing someone to lose interest or enthusiasm.

spooked

Informal term for causing fear or alarm.

dissuaded

Suggests convincing someone not to do something.

made wary

Highlights creating a sense of caution or distrust.

threw off

Refers to an action of intimidation that has stopped the subject from doing the expected.

FAQs

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

Use "scared off" to indicate that someone or something was deterred by fear. For example, "The loud noise "scared off" the birds".

What's a formal alternative to "scared off"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "deterred", "dissuaded", or "discouraged" as alternatives to "scared off".

What does it mean when something is "scared off"?

When something is "scared off", it means that it was driven away or prevented from approaching due to fear or apprehension.

Is it correct to say "scared away" instead of "scared off"?

Yes, "scared away" is a very similar alternative and is often interchangeable with "scared off". Both indicate that something was driven away by fear. You can also consider other alternatives like "frightened away".