we are fearful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are fearful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a state of fear or anxiety about a situation or event. Example: "As the deadline approaches, we are fearful of not meeting our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

We are fearful of missing moments with our children so we fear how sweet, beautiful and temporary all the fleeting moments of true connection are.

Huffington Post

"But we are fearful".

The New York Times - Magazine

We are fearful it suggests further misery".

The Guardian

These days, after 9/11, we are fearful of terrorism.

The Washington Post

We are fearful without knowing we are fearful, and we are submissive without knowing we are submissive".

The New Yorker

We are fearful of getting embroiled in a bombing war that cannot be won.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

We were fearful of him and he represented that fear for the Afrikaner but obviously that changed completely".

The Guardian

"We were fearful that somebody was going to think we harmed him".

The New York Times

"We were fearful people would say it was the hokiest thing they ever saw," Prieb said.

The New York Times - Sports

But I don't think we were fearful as a result.

The New York Times

"When it comes to this game, we're fearful of what Mexico brings," Howard said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are fearful" to express a collective feeling of apprehension, concern, or worry about a situation or potential outcome. Ensure the context clearly identifies who "we" refers to, enhancing clarity and impact.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "we are fearful" can sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "we are concerned" or "we are apprehensive" to maintain reader engagement and add nuance to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are fearful" functions as a statement expressing a shared feeling of fear or apprehension. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is used to communicate concern about potential negative outcomes or threats.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Academia

9%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we are fearful" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a shared sense of fear, apprehension, or worry. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase is found in diverse sources, including news media, academic publications, and formal business communications, indicating its broad applicability. While perfectly acceptable, you may use synonyms depending on the desired degree of formality, or to prevent potential repetitiveness. The analysis indicates that while "we are fearful" is widely understood, writers should be aware of the subtle differences between it and similar phrases to select the most contextually appropriate option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are afraid

This is a direct synonym, expressing a similar level of concern or apprehension.

we are apprehensive

Indicates a more formal and considered sense of unease about something.

we are anxious

Suggests a higher level of worry and nervousness about a potential outcome.

we are worried

Expresses concern and unease about a particular situation or event.

we are concerned

Indicates a milder form of worry, often implying a sense of responsibility.

we are uneasy

Suggests a lack of comfort or peace of mind regarding a situation.

we have misgivings

This phrase implies a sense of doubt or uncertainty about a course of action.

we are alarmed

Expresses a sense of sudden fear or shock about something.

we are scared

Suggests a more intense and immediate feeling of fear.

we are dreading

Implies a strong feeling of aversion or anticipation of something unpleasant.

FAQs

How can I use "we are fearful" in a sentence?

You can use "we are fearful" to express a shared sense of anxiety or concern. For example, "We are fearful of the potential consequences of this decision."

What's a more formal alternative to "we are fearful"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "we are apprehensive" or "we are concerned". These options often convey a more measured and professional sentiment.

Is it better to say "we are fearful" or "we are afraid"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "We are afraid" is generally more common in everyday conversation, while "we are fearful" might be used in more formal or literary contexts, depending on the tone you wish to achieve.

What's the difference between "we are fearful" and "we are worried"?

While similar, "we are fearful" often suggests a stronger sense of dread or apprehension about a specific threat or outcome, whereas "we are worried" might express a more general state of unease or concern.