she was scared

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she was scared" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone is feeling afraid. For example, "When she heard the thunder, she was scared."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"She was scared witless".

The New York Times - Magazine

She was scared.

The Guardian

"She was scared to death".

The New York Times

She was scared of crowds.

The Guardian

She was scared of him".

The New York Times

Maybe she was scared, too.

The Washington Post

She was scared of them.

The New York Times

She was scared for me.

The Guardian

"She was scared," she said.

The New York Times

She was scared of riots.

The Guardian - Opinion

She was scared, so Francine went along.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, consider using "she was scared" to reflect a character's direct and honest expression of their feelings.

Common error

While "she was scared" is clear, overuse can make writing monotonous. Vary your descriptions by showing how her fear manifests, such as "her hands trembled" or "she couldn't breathe properly", rather than simply stating the emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she was scared" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing the adjective 'scared' to a female subject in the past. This construction follows standard grammatical rules, as Ludwig AI confirms. Many examples in Ludwig illustrate this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she was scared" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a past state of fear in a female subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media, though its straightforward nature makes it suitable for broader use. While effective, it's beneficial to vary descriptions to avoid monotony, focusing on how fear manifests rather than merely stating it. Related phrases, like "she was afraid", offer nuanced ways to convey similar sentiments. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively utilize "she was scared" to enrich their narratives and convey characters' emotions with clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she felt afraid

Emphasizes the internal feeling of fear, slightly more formal.

she was frightened

Uses a synonym for scared, indicating a sudden and intense fear.

she was terrified

Conveys a stronger sense of fear, implying extreme dread.

she was anxious

Highlights worry and unease, a more subdued form of fear.

she was apprehensive

Suggests a feeling of uncertainty and worry about the future.

she was alarmed

Implies a sudden awareness of danger, causing fear or concern.

she was intimidated

Suggests fear caused by someone or something perceived as powerful or threatening.

she dreaded it

Focuses on the anticipation of something fearful or unpleasant.

she was in a panic

Describes a state of overwhelming fear and loss of control.

fear gripped her

A more literary way of expressing that she was overcome by fear.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "she was scared" that still convey fear?

You can use alternatives like "she was afraid", "she was frightened", or "she was terrified" depending on the intensity of the fear you want to express.

Is it grammatically correct to say "she was scared"?

Yes, "she was scared" is grammatically correct. It uses the past tense of the verb "to be" with the adjective "scared" to describe her emotional state.

How can I show someone is scared instead of just saying "she was scared"?

Instead of directly stating "she was scared", you can describe her physical reactions (e.g., "her heart raced") or behaviors (e.g., "she hid behind him") to imply her fear.

What's the difference between "she was scared" and "she is scared"?

"She was scared" indicates that she felt fear in the past, while "she is scared" indicates that she is currently feeling fear. The tense changes the timing of the emotion.