should be afraid of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be afraid of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing fears or concerns about a particular subject or situation. Example: "People should be afraid of the consequences of ignoring climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's important that we teach girls that sex isn't something they should be afraid of; they are allowed to be sexual beings.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nobody should be afraid of that".

The New York Times

The Spurs should be afraid of them".

The New York Times - Sports

You should be afraid of God.

The Guardian - Opinion

Animals that should be afraid of a vicious predator aren't.

The Washington Post

I don't think you should be afraid of the debate.

The Guardian

"I should be afraid of you?" she said.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is nothing we should be afraid of".

The New York Times - Sports

People ask whether they should be afraid of me.

The New York Times

"He's not a guy that we should be afraid of," Toews said.

The New York Times - Sports

"If you go there the only thing you should be afraid of is the players.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be afraid of", consider the intensity of the fear you wish to convey. Alternatives like "concerned about" might be more appropriate for milder concerns.

Common error

Avoid using "should be afraid of" when a more moderate expression of concern is adequate. Overstating risks can diminish the impact of your message and make you sound alarmist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be afraid of" functions as a modal expression of advice or warning, indicating that someone ought to feel fear or apprehension towards a particular thing, situation, or outcome. Ludwig examples confirm its use in expressing concern over potential dangers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "should be afraid of" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to advise caution or express concern about potential risks. As Ludwig AI indicates, its primary function is to alert audiences to possible dangers, prompting awareness and influencing behavior. While the phrase can appear in various contexts, it's most prevalent in news and media, followed by scientific discussions. When writing, it's important to consider the intensity of the fear you want to convey, opting for alternatives like "should be concerned about" for milder situations to avoid sounding overly alarmist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be concerned about

Focuses on worry and attentiveness regarding potential negative outcomes.

should be cautious of

Suggests a careful and guarded approach due to potential risks.

ought to fear

More formal and emphasizes a moral or logical obligation to be afraid.

should be apprehensive about

Emphasizes anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.

must be wary of

Highlights the need for caution and vigilance.

should be on guard against

Highlights the need to be prepared and vigilant against potential threats.

should take heed of

Highlights the importance of paying attention to potential dangers or warnings.

should be alarmed by

Emphasizes a sudden awareness of danger or a problem.

should be leery of

Implies a distrustful and suspicious attitude towards something or someone.

need to dread

Emphasizes a strong feeling of aversion or apprehension about something in the future.

FAQs

How can I use "should be afraid of" in a sentence?

You can use "should be afraid of" to express concern or caution about something. For example, "People "should be afraid of" the consequences of climate change".

What's a less alarming alternative to "should be afraid of"?

If you want to express concern without causing alarm, consider alternatives like "should be concerned about" or "should be wary of".

When is it appropriate to use "should be afraid of" instead of "should be concerned about"?

"Should be afraid of" is suitable when the potential consequences are severe and warrant a stronger emotional response. "Should be concerned about" is better for milder worries.

Is "should be scared of" interchangeable with "should be afraid of"?

While similar, "should be scared of" is slightly more informal. "Should be afraid of" is generally preferred in more formal contexts.