scared to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scared to do" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing fear or apprehension about performing a specific action or task. Example: "She was scared to do the presentation in front of the large audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was scared to do this trick".

The New York Times - Sports

She seemed scared to do it.

The New Yorker

I'd be scared to do Lear now".

The New York Times

I was scared to do that".

The New York Times

Why was Victor scared to do the same?

The New York Times - Books

I was too scared to do anything else.

The Washington Post

My folks were too scared to do anything.

The New York Times

Today the kids are all too scared to do anything".

The Guardian - Books

"A lot of countries are scared to do any research.

The Guardian

Are they too scared to do something really creative?

The Guardian

So I'm scared to do the interviews I want to do.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scared to do", ensure the context clearly indicates the source or reason for the fear. This can add depth and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "scared to do" when a milder term like "hesitant" or "unwilling" would be more appropriate. Overstating the fear can undermine the credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scared to do" functions as a descriptor indicating a state of fear or apprehension about performing a specific action. As Ludwig AI explains, this expression is correct and usable in written English, conveying a sense of unease or intimidation associated with the task at hand.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

22%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "scared to do" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey fear or apprehension about performing a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various writing contexts. This phrase, while versatile, is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. For alternative expressions, consider "afraid to do", "hesitant to do", or "reluctant to do", each carrying slightly different nuances. Ensure clarity in your writing by providing context for the fear and avoid overstating the intensity of the feeling. With its widespread usage and clear meaning, "scared to do" remains a valuable tool for expressing personal feelings and experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

afraid to do

Simple synonym substitution; replaces "scared" with "afraid".

hesitant to do

Replaces "scared" with "hesitant", suggesting a pause or reluctance.

reluctant to do

Similar to "hesitant", indicating unwillingness to act.

apprehensive about doing

Uses "apprehensive" and modifies the verb structure to use "about doing".

uneasy about doing

Replaces "scared" with "uneasy", suggesting a mild anxiety.

intimidated to do

Focuses on feeling daunted or overawed by the task.

fearful of doing

More formal and intense, emphasizing the presence of fear.

nervous about doing

Highlights anxiety or nervousness related to the action.

dread doing

Implies a strong aversion or fear of something that is about to happen or be done.

worried about doing

Shifts the focus to concern and worry about the potential outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "scared to do" in a sentence?

You can use "scared to do" to express fear or apprehension about performing an action, such as "I was "scared to do the presentation" in front of a large audience".

What are some alternatives to saying "scared to do"?

You can use alternatives like "afraid to do", "hesitant to do", or "reluctant to do" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "scared to do"?

Yes, "scared to do" is grammatically correct and widely used in English to express fear or apprehension about performing an action.

What's the difference between "scared to do" and "nervous about doing"?

While both express unease, "scared to do" suggests a stronger sense of fear, while "nervous about doing" implies more anxiety or apprehension.