they were afraid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were afraid" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of fear experienced by a group of people in various contexts, such as storytelling or reporting emotions. Example: "As the storm approached, they were afraid of what might happen next."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

They were afraid then.

The New York Times

They were afraid not.

The New Yorker

They were afraid.

The New York Times

"They were afraid to smile".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They were afraid of it.

The Guardian - Business

"They were afraid," she said.

The New Yorker

I suppose they were afraid.

The Guardian

I'm certain they were afraid.

The New York Times - Sports

They were afraid of water.

The Guardian - Film

"It's not that they were afraid.

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps they were afraid of Ms Riza.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs like "terrified", "petrified", or "dreaded" to convey a heightened sense of fear when appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "they were afraid" when a stronger emotion is more accurate. Overusing this phrase can diminish the impact of situations that warrant words like "terrified" or "panicked".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were afraid" functions as a statement describing the emotional state of a group of people. It expresses that a group experienced fear, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were afraid" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a group's experience of fear. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. While versatile, consider using more descriptive language to better convey the intensity and specificity of the fear when appropriate. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts and maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various writing styles. Ensure clarity by indicating the source or object of their fear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were scared

This is a more informal and direct synonym for "they were afraid".

they were frightened

Similar to "they were scared", but slightly more formal.

they felt fear

This alternative uses a more direct verb choice to express feeling afraid.

they were anxious

This alternative focuses on the worried or uneasy aspect of fear.

they were apprehensive

This phrase suggests a sense of unease or worry about something that might happen.

they dreaded

This alternative focuses on anticipating something fearful.

they experienced trepidation

This alternative uses a more formal and nuanced term for fear or anxiety.

they had misgivings

This phrase suggests doubts and anxieties about a future event or decision.

fear gripped them

This alternative uses a more figurative and dramatic expression.

they lived in terror

This alternative emphasizes a prolonged state of intense fear.

FAQs

What's a simple synonym for "they were afraid"?

A simple synonym is "they were scared", which is suitable for most informal contexts.

How can I make the phrase "they were afraid" more impactful?

To increase impact, use stronger verbs or descriptive language to show the intensity of the fear, such as "they were terrified" or "fear gripped them". Also specify object of fear like "they were afraid of heights".

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "they were afraid"?

While grammatically correct, it might be inappropriate if the context demands a more precise or intense description of the emotion experienced. Choose vocabulary that fits the gravity of the situation.

What is the difference between "they were afraid" and "they were anxious"?

"They were afraid" suggests a response to a specific perceived threat, while "they were anxious" implies a more general state of worry or unease, not necessarily tied to a concrete danger.