we are scared

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are scared" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express fear or anxiety about a situation or event. Example: "As the storm approached, we are scared about what might happen next."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We are scared," he said.

The New York Times

We are scared.

Independent

"We are scared of that.

The New York Times

We are scared about the future".

The New Yorker

We are scared, and we stand there.

The New Yorker

When we sleep, we are scared.

The Guardian

We are scared of the sea now.

The Guardian

As women we are scared of this.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We are scared of our youth.

The Guardian

"And of course we are scared".

The New York Times

"We are scared of the Basijis, too".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are scared" to express a shared feeling of fear or anxiety within a group. Ensure that the context clearly indicates who "we" refers to, providing clarity and avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we are scared" in formal or professional settings where a more objective or detached tone is expected. Instead, opt for phrases that convey concern or caution without explicitly stating fear, maintaining a professional demeanor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are scared" functions as a declarative statement expressing a shared feeling of fear or anxiety. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is commonly used to convey a sense of vulnerability or apprehension in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we are scared" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a shared feeling of fear or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use, particularly in News & Media. While effective in conveying emotion, it's essential to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives like "we are apprehensive" in professional settings. Understanding the nuances of this simple phrase allows for more effective and appropriate communication. The phrase is used to express fear or anxiety in different situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we feel frightened

Replaces "scared" with a more formal synonym, "frightened", which may imply a slightly more intense or sudden fear.

we are afraid

Offers a direct synonym for "scared", maintaining the same level of formality and emotional intensity.

we are apprehensive

Substitutes "scared" with "apprehensive", suggesting a more anticipatory and thoughtful fear about a future event.

we are terrified

Replaces "scared" with "terrified", indicating a much stronger and more overwhelming feeling of fear.

we are anxious

Uses "anxious" instead of "scared", shifting the focus to a more general state of worry and unease.

fear grips us

Presents a more dramatic and figurative way to express fear, emphasizing the overpowering nature of the emotion.

we are filled with dread

Conveys a sense of impending doom or intense fear about something that is about to happen.

we are in a panic

Indicates a state of extreme fear that results in uncontrolled behavior or thought.

we have trepidation

Replaces "scared" with a more formal "trepidation", indicating a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen.

we are petrified

Replaces "scared" with "petrified", an intense version indicating a state of being so frightened that one is unable to move or act.

FAQs

What's a less common way to say "we are scared"?

While "we are scared" is common, you might use "we are apprehensive" to suggest a more thoughtful fear, particularly about future events. It's less direct and implies a sense of anticipation.

How does the intensity of "we are scared" compare to other phrases?

"We are scared" is a general expression of fear. For a stronger feeling, consider "we are terrified" or "we are petrified". For a milder feeling, you could say "we are anxious".

Is "we are scared" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "we are scared" might be too informal for certain formal contexts. In such cases, consider alternatives like "we are concerned" or "we have trepidation" to maintain a more professional tone.

What can I say instead of "we are scared" to emphasize the group aspect?

To emphasize that a group is experiencing fear, you could say "fear grips us" or "we are filled with dread". These phrases highlight the collective experience of fear.