we were afraid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were afraid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing fear or concern about a situation or outcome in the past. Example: "During the storm, we were afraid that the power would go out and we would be left in the dark."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We were afraid".

The New York Times - Magazine

"We were afraid," he said.

The New York Times

They thought we were afraid.

The New York Times

We were afraid about Lenny".

The New York Times - Sports

We were afraid of aftershocks.

The New York Times

"Behind the curtains, we were afraid.

The New York Times

That's what we were afraid of.

The New York Times

We were afraid of him, no question.

The New Yorker

"We were afraid," Dr. Sabbagh said.

The New York Times

"We were afraid we would drown.

Independent

"We were afraid of them," he said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add emotional depth, follow "we were afraid" with a specific explanation of what caused the fear. For example: "We were afraid of the consequences if we failed."

Common error

Avoid using "we were afraid" to describe current feelings. Instead, use "we are afraid" to accurately reflect a present state of fear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were afraid" functions as a statement expressing a past emotional state. It indicates that a group of people experienced fear or apprehension at some point in the past. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is commonly used to convey a sense of vulnerability or concern.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were afraid" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a past feeling of fear or apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its high usability and provides numerous real-world examples, primarily from news and media sources. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it's important to use it accurately, avoiding present-tense contexts where "we are afraid" would be more appropriate. Related phrases like "we were apprehensive" or "we were scared" can offer alternative ways to convey the same sentiment, depending on the desired level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were scared

Uses a more informal and direct synonym for "afraid", suitable for casual contexts.

we were fearful

Emphasizes the feeling of dread and apprehension, similar in formality to "apprehensive".

we were apprehensive

Replaces "afraid" with a more formal synonym, suggesting a slightly more considered or intellectual fear.

we were anxious

Focuses on the worry and unease associated with fear, highlighting the mental aspect of the experience.

we felt fear

Shifts the focus slightly to the sensation of fear, rather than the state of being afraid.

we dreaded

Highlights the anticipation of something bad happening, focusing on the anxiety before an event.

fear gripped us

A more figurative and dramatic way of expressing the feeling of being afraid, suggesting a strong and overwhelming emotion.

we lived in terror

Emphasizes a prolonged state of fear, suggesting a constant and pervasive sense of danger.

we had misgivings

Emphasizes doubts or anxieties about the future, similar in meaning to apprehension.

we were concerned

Indicates worry or unease, but may also suggest a general concern that is not necessarily fear-based.

FAQs

How can I use "we were afraid" in a sentence?

Use "we were afraid" to express a past feeling of fear or apprehension. For example, "We were afraid of the dark when we were children".

What's a more formal alternative to "we were afraid"?

A more formal alternative is "we were apprehensive", which suggests a more considered or intellectual fear.

Is it correct to say "we were afraid of" something?

Yes, it's correct to use the preposition "of" after "we were afraid" to specify what caused the fear. For example, "We were afraid of the storm".

What's the difference between "we were afraid" and "we were scared"?

While both express fear, "we were scared" is generally considered more informal than "we were afraid". The choice depends on the context and desired tone.