terrified of

USAGE SUMMARY

"terrified of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's strong fear of something or someone. Example: She was terrified of the storm and stayed in her house until the worst of it had passed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm terrified of them".

The New York Times - Sports

Wendy was terrified of pregnancy.

The New York Times

I'm terrified of artistic stagnation.

The New York Times

Ham was terrified of water.

The New Yorker

They were terrified of discovery.

The New York Times

And I'm terrified of competition.

Independent

They were terrified of him.

The New Yorker

He was terrified of heights.

The New York Times

"She's terrified of it.

The Guardian - Music

"I'm terrified of guns".

The New Yorker

I was terrified of contaminating people.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terrified of" to emphasize a strong sense of fear, making sure the context aligns with such intensity. For example, use it when describing phobias or traumatic experiences.

Common error

While "terrified of" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively, as it can diminish its impact. Consider using milder alternatives like "afraid of" or "anxious about" when the situation doesn't warrant such a strong emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terrified of" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a subject by expressing a state of extreme fear or dread. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Terrified of" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a strong sense of fear. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, primarily in the news and media domain. While it is acceptable in various registers, writers should be mindful of the intensity it conveys and consider milder alternatives when appropriate. Overall, "terrified of" is a versatile and effective phrase for describing extreme fear or dread.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

petrified of

Indicates an even stronger level of fear, suggesting a state of being paralyzed by terror.

afraid of

Emphasizes a general feeling of fear, which can be less intense than "terrified".

frightened of

Similar in intensity to "afraid of", but can sometimes suggest a more sudden or startling fear.

fearful of

A more formal and intense way to express fear, similar to "terrified" but slightly less extreme.

scared of

A more informal way to express fear, often used in casual conversation.

in fear of

Implies a constant state of worry or dread about something.

apprehensive about

Suggests a more anticipatory fear or anxiety about something that might happen.

anxious about

Focuses on the worry and unease associated with a particular situation or event.

daunted by

Highlights the feeling of being discouraged or intimidated by something.

intimidated by

Focuses on the feeling of being made to feel small or powerless by something.

FAQs

How do I use "terrified of" in a sentence?

"Terrified of" is used to describe a state of extreme fear. For example, "She was "terrified of" heights" indicates a strong fear of high places.

What can I say instead of "terrified of"?

You can use alternatives like "afraid of", "frightened of", or "scared of" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "terrified from" instead of "terrified of"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "terrified" in this context is "of". "Terrified from" is not standard English usage.

What's the difference between ""terrified of"" and "anxious about"?

"Terrified of" implies a stronger, more intense fear, while "anxious about" suggests worry or unease. The intensity of the emotion is the main difference.