seem frightened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seem frightened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who appears to be scared or anxious about something. Example: "When the thunderstorm began, the children seemed frightened and huddled together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

She doesn't seem frightened, as perhaps she should be.

The Guardian

Indeed some Muslim activists in the West seem frightened of the Brotherhood.

The Economist

Many seem frightened and withdrawn; some rock vacantly, some are bruised, some tethered to their beds.

The New York Times

James, Jacobson said, does not seem frightened, although he is suffering from both emphysema and leukaemia.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Few Afghans have telephones, and those that do seem frightened of telling reporters what they have seen.

The New York Times

Nicola Roberts has a few powerful solo moments, and there's a sweet smile between Cheryl Cole and Kimberley Walsh when they accidentally totter in the same direction, but mostly the women seem frightened to show even a glimmer of personality.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

ON THEIR own, the numbers do not seem frightening.

The Economist

A common reason for the failure of secessionist movements is that independence can seem frightening.

The Economist

On paper the white spaces seem frightening, threatening to engulf the words.

The Guardian

The biggest impact he's having is to make other politicians who should seem frightening appear normal and reassuring.

Independent

Paradoxically, some of the characteristics of hedge funds that make them seem frightening also make them valuable.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seem frightened", ensure the context clearly indicates the source or cause of the perceived fear. This adds clarity and depth to your description.

Common error

Don't just say someone "seem frightened" without providing context. Specify what might be causing the fear to make your writing more impactful and informative. E.g. Instead of "He seemed frightened", try "He seemed frightened by the sudden noise."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem frightened" functions as a descriptive verb phrase. It's used to express an observation or inference about someone's apparent emotional state, specifically their state of fear. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seem frightened" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe someone's apparent state of fear. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in various contexts. While primarily found in News & Media and Wiki, its neutral register makes it versatile for different writing styles. When using the phrase, it's important to provide context to clarify the source of the perceived fear. Alternatives include "appear scared" or "look afraid", which offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. This analysis provides a complete overview of the phrase, equipping writers with the knowledge to use it effectively and accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seem fearful

Direct synonym, using the adjective "fearful" instead of "frightened".

appear scared

Replaces "frightened" with "scared", maintaining the same meaning of experiencing fear.

look afraid

Uses "afraid" instead of "frightened", offering a slightly more general term for fear.

appear apprehensive

Substitutes "frightened" with "apprehensive", suggesting a more anticipatory or hesitant type of fear.

seem alarmed

Indicates a sudden experience of fear or concern.

appear anxious

Focuses more on the worry and unease associated with fear.

look intimidated

Implies fear induced by a perceived threat or dominance.

look terrorized

Emphasizes a more extreme form of fear or horror.

appear panic-stricken

Highlights a state of extreme panic and fear.

look horror-struck

Suggests being struck with horror, a more intense form of fear.

FAQs

How can I use "seem frightened" in a sentence?

You can use "seem frightened" to describe someone who appears to be experiencing fear. For example, "The child "seemed frightened" during the thunderstorm".

What are some alternatives to "seem frightened"?

Alternatives include "appear scared", "look afraid", or "appear apprehensive", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "seem frightened" or "seems frightened"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "seem frightened" with plural subjects (e.g., "They seem frightened"). Use "seems frightened" with singular subjects (e.g., "He seems frightened").

What's the difference between "seem frightened" and "be frightened"?

"Seem frightened" describes an outward appearance or impression of fear, while "be frightened" indicates an actual internal experience of fear. For instance, someone might "seem frightened" even if they aren't actually "be frightened" inside.