we are afraid that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are afraid that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when expressing fear or concern about a certain situation. For example: "We are afraid that the storm will do significant damage to our crops."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We are afraid that maybe it becomes worse".

The New York Times

But we are afraid that winds may change and bring radiation toward us".

Independent

"We are afraid that they will forget Baher, as he's Egyptian," he explained.

Independent

We are afraid that a good bit of the missing plastic is actually inside the animals.

The Guardian

"We are afraid that you will leave, and the Taliban will come back".

The New York Times

"We are afraid that Chinatown will become just another tourist attraction, losing its economic and cultural identity".

The New York Times

"We are afraid that the community will unravel," said Christopher Kui, executive director of Asian Americans for Equality.

The New York Times

"They said 'We are afraid that one day the world will return to paganism' – so they destroyed it.

The Guardian

We share the concerns about too much process and bureaucracy, and we are afraid that the situation is getting worse.

The Guardian

"These countries have large pockets of poverty, and we are afraid that this trend will remove this extra lifeline from the poorest," she said.

The New York Times

If we are afraid that what we say or think will come with a severe penalty, we suddenly become much more cautious in our judgments.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we are afraid that", clearly state the specific reason for your fear or concern to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While appropriate in many contexts, overuse of "we are afraid that" can make your writing sound overly negative. Vary your phrasing by using alternatives like "we are concerned" or "we anticipate" to maintain a balanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are afraid that" functions as a hedge or a qualifier, softening the statement that follows and expressing a degree of uncertainty or concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses fear or concern. It introduces a proposition that the speaker believes to be possible, though potentially undesirable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are afraid that" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey fear, concern, or apprehension about a particular situation or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively softens the statement that follows. It is appropriate for a wide range of contexts, from news reports and formal business communications to scientific publications. While the register is generally neutral, varying your phrasing can enhance the tone of your writing. Be mindful of the specific reason for your fear and avoid overuse of the phrase. With its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC, "we are afraid that" remains a valuable and versatile tool for expressing concern in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

We are fearful that

Emphasizes the feeling of fear more directly.

We are anxious that

Suggests a sense of worry and unease.

We are concerned that

Indicates a level of worry and responsibility.

We are worried that

A common expression of concern.

We are apprehensive that

Suggests a feeling of dread about a future event.

We dread that

A more intense and emotive way to express fear.

We have fears that

Shifts the focus to the existence of fears.

Our fear is that

Highlights the fear as the central point.

We are uneasy that

Conveys a feeling of discomfort or disquiet.

We are petrified that

Expresses a strong sense of terror.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "we are afraid that"?

You can use alternatives like "we are fearful that", "we are concerned that", or "we are worried that" depending on the context.

How do I use "we are afraid that" in a sentence?

The phrase "we are afraid that" is typically followed by a clause that explains what you are concerned or fearful about. For example, "We are afraid that the project will not be completed on time."

Is "we are afraid that" formal or informal?

"We are afraid that" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal situations, you might consider using "we express our concern that".

What is the difference between "we are afraid that" and "we are worried that"?

While both phrases express concern, "we are afraid that" often implies a stronger sense of apprehension or fear compared to "we are worried that". Use "we are afraid that" when there is a significant risk or negative outcome anticipated, while "we are worried that" is suitable for general concerns.