This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A1 noun #824 most common 14 min read

scared

Top 824

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips scared in 30 Seconds

Explanation scared in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'scared' is one of the first emotional words you will learn. It is used to describe a basic feeling of fear that everyone experiences. You might use it to talk about being afraid of animals, like big dogs or spiders, or being afraid of the dark. It is a very simple word that helps you tell others how you feel. For example, you can say 'I am scared' or 'He is scared'. At this level, you usually use it with the verb 'to be'. You might also learn to use it with 'of', like in 'I am scared of cats'. It is a very important word because it helps you communicate your needs and feelings to the people around you. When you are just starting to learn English, 'scared' is a great word to have in your vocabulary because it is easy to remember and very useful in many everyday situations. You will hear it in simple stories and see it in pictures where people look frightened. It is a foundational word for expressing emotions.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'scared' in more varied ways. You might start using it with different verbs, like 'feel scared' or 'look scared'. You also learn to use it to describe more than just physical fears. For example, you might say you are 'scared of a test' or 'scared to talk to new people'. This shows that you are beginning to understand how emotions can be connected to social situations and activities. You will also become more comfortable using 'scared of' followed by an '-ing' verb, such as 'I am scared of falling'. At this level, you might also start to see the word modified by simple adverbs like 'very' or 'a little'. You are moving beyond the most basic uses and starting to apply the word to a wider range of experiences in your daily life. You might also encounter the word in simple dialogues and short texts about people's experiences and feelings.

By the B1 level, you can use 'scared' to talk about more complex and abstract fears. You might discuss being 'scared of the future' or 'scared of making a mistake'. You are also able to use 'scared' in more complex sentence structures, such as using 'that' clauses: 'I was scared that I would miss my flight'. This allows you to express more specific worries and concerns. You will also start to learn more idioms and common phrases that include 'scared', like 'scared to death' or 'scared stiff'. At this level, you should also be able to distinguish between 'scared' and its synonyms like 'frightened' or 'afraid', choosing the one that best fits the context. You are becoming more nuanced in your emotional expression and can use 'scared' to contribute to more detailed conversations about personal feelings and experiences. You will also encounter the word in more varied media, including news reports and popular fiction.

At the B2 level, you have a strong grasp of 'scared' and can use it with a high degree of accuracy and nuance. You understand the subtle differences between 'scared', 'afraid', 'frightened', and 'terrified', and you can choose the most appropriate word for the situation. You are also comfortable using 'scared' in a wide range of grammatical structures, including more advanced collocations and idiomatic expressions. You might use the word to discuss broader social or political issues, such as a population being 'scared of economic instability'. At this level, you can also use 'scared' to describe characters' motivations and internal states in more sophisticated literature and film analysis. You are able to use the word effectively in both formal and informal contexts, adapting your tone as needed. Your use of 'scared' is now part of a rich and flexible vocabulary for expressing a wide spectrum of human emotions and reactions.

At the C1 level, you use 'scared' with the precision and variety of a near-native speaker. You are aware of the word's register and can use it to achieve specific effects in your writing and speech. You might use it ironically or hyperbolically to add color to your language. You also have a deep understanding of the word's etymology and how it relates to other words in the same family. At this level, you can discuss the psychological and physiological aspects of being 'scared' in great detail, using the word as a starting point for more complex discussions about human nature and behavior. You are also able to recognize and use less common idioms and literary references involving the word. Your ability to use 'scared' and its many synonyms allows you to convey subtle shades of meaning and emotion, making your communication more powerful and evocative. You can handle the word in any context, from a casual chat to a formal academic presentation.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'scared' is complete. You can use the word and its alternatives with total fluency and spontaneity, often using them in creative and unexpected ways. You have a profound understanding of the word's cultural and historical connotations and can use this knowledge to enrich your communication. You might use 'scared' to explore philosophical themes of fear and existence in your writing. At this level, you are also able to critique the use of the word in various media, identifying how it is used to manipulate or influence an audience. Your vocabulary is so extensive that 'scared' is just one of many tools you have for describing the experience of fear, and you can switch between them with ease to suit your purpose. You are a master of the English language, and your use of 'scared' reflects your deep understanding of its power and versatility. You can use it to create complex emotional landscapes in your storytelling and to provide profound insights into the human condition.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

scared in 30 Seconds

Scared is a common adjective used to describe the feeling of fear or worry in response to a perceived threat or danger.
It can be used in various structures, such as 'scared of' something, 'scared to' do something, or 'scared that' something will happen.
The word is suitable for both mild and intense fear and is widely used in everyday conversation, media, and professional contexts.
Common synonyms include afraid and frightened, while more intense alternatives include terrified and petrified. It is important to distinguish it from 'scary'.

The word scared is a fundamental adjective in the English language used to describe the emotional state of experiencing fear, anxiety, or apprehension. At its core, being scared is a biological and psychological response to a perceived threat. This threat can be physical, such as a large animal or a dangerous situation, or it can be psychological, such as the fear of failure or the fear of the unknown. When someone says they are scared, they are communicating that their internal alarm system has been triggered. This word is highly versatile and is used by people of all ages, from a toddler who is scared of the dark to an adult who is scared of making a significant life change. The term is often associated with the 'fight or flight' response, where the body prepares to either confront a danger or run away from it. In modern conversation, 'scared' is the most common and accessible way to express this feeling, sitting comfortably between the mildness of being 'nervous' and the intensity of being 'terrified'. It covers a broad spectrum of intensity, making it suitable for both trivial worries and life-altering fears.

Emotional Range: Scared can describe a sudden jump after a loud noise or a long-term anxiety about the future.

The little boy felt scared when the thunder roared loudly outside his window.

Understanding when to use 'scared' involves recognizing the context of the fear. It is frequently used in personal disclosures to build empathy or explain behavior. For instance, if someone avoids a social gathering, they might admit they are scared of meeting new people. This admission provides a reason for their actions. Furthermore, 'scared' is often used in a hyperbolic sense in casual conversation. Someone might say they are 'scared' of a difficult exam, even if they aren't in physical danger, to emphasize the level of stress they are feeling. The word also carries a sense of vulnerability. To admit one is scared is to show a part of one's inner self that is not in control. This makes the word powerful in storytelling and personal narratives, as it immediately creates a connection between the speaker and the listener through a shared human experience.

Physical Symptoms: Being scared often involves physical signs like a fast heartbeat, sweating, or shaking.

She was too scared to jump into the deep end of the swimming pool.

In terms of social dynamics, the word 'scared' can also be used to describe a collective state. A community might be scared of rising crime rates, or a company might be scared of a market crash. In these contexts, it reflects a shared sense of insecurity. The word is also deeply rooted in our developmental history; as children, we learn the word 'scared' very early to communicate our needs for safety and protection. This early acquisition ensures that the word remains a primary tool for emotional expression throughout our lives. Whether it is used to describe a reaction to a horror movie or a deep-seated phobia, 'scared' remains the go-to adjective for the universal experience of fear.

Are you scared of spiders, or do you just dislike them?

Social Context: Admitting you are scared can be a sign of honesty and can help build trust in relationships.

Don't be scared; I will be right here with you the whole time.

He looked scared out of his wits after seeing the ghost in the film.

Using the word scared correctly involves understanding its grammatical patterns and common collocations. The most frequent structure is 'Subject + be/feel + scared + of + [Noun/Gerund]'. For example, 'I am scared of heights' or 'She is scared of flying'. This pattern identifies the specific trigger of the fear. Another common structure is 'scared + to + [Verb]', which describes a fear of performing a specific action, such as 'He was scared to speak in public'. This suggests a hesitation or a barrier to action caused by fear. You can also use 'scared + that + [Clause]' to describe a fear of a potential event or outcome, like 'They were scared that they would lose their jobs'. This is more common when discussing worries about the future or hypothetical situations.

Prepositional Use: Always use 'of' with 'scared' when mentioning the object of fear. Never use 'from' or 'about'.

Many people are scared of what the future might hold for the economy.

Adverbs are frequently used to modify 'scared' to indicate the intensity of the emotion. Common intensifiers include 'very', 'really', 'extremely', and 'absolutely'. In more informal or dramatic contexts, you might hear phrases like 'scared stiff', 'scared to death', or 'scared witless'. These idioms emphasize a paralyzing level of fear. Conversely, you can use 'a bit' or 'slightly' to describe a minor level of apprehension. It is also important to note the difference between 'scared' and 'scary'. 'Scared' describes the person feeling the emotion (the experiencer), while 'scary' describes the thing causing the emotion (the stimulus). For example, 'The movie was scary, so I felt scared'. Confusing these two is a common mistake for English learners.

Common Intensifiers: Words like 'deathly', 'mortally', and 'genuinely' add weight to the feeling of being scared.

The hikers were scared to death when they saw the bear on the trail.

In more formal writing, you might see 'scared' replaced by 'fearful' or 'apprehensive', but 'scared' remains perfectly acceptable in most contexts. When using it in the negative, 'not scared' often implies bravery or a lack of concern. For instance, 'I'm not scared of a little hard work' suggests a person is willing and ready to face challenges. The word can also be used in questions to check on someone's well-being: 'Are you scared?' This is a direct way to offer support. In literature, 'scared' is used to create atmosphere and character depth, showing a character's internal struggles and vulnerabilities. By mastering these patterns, you can use 'scared' to accurately convey a wide range of human emotions and reactions.

If you are scared that you might fail, remember that everyone starts somewhere.

Infinitive vs. Preposition: Use 'scared to' for actions and 'scared of' for things or general concepts.

She was scared of losing her way in the dense, dark forest.

The cat was so scared that it hid under the sofa for three hours.

The word scared is ubiquitous in daily life, appearing in various media, conversations, and professional settings. In the world of entertainment, particularly in horror and thriller genres, characters frequently express that they are scared to build tension and suspense. Movie trailers often use the word to promise an emotional experience to the audience, such as 'Prepare to be scared'. In news reporting, the word is used to describe public reaction to events like natural disasters, economic downturns, or health crises. For example, a news anchor might report that 'residents are scared to return to their homes after the earthquake'. This usage helps to humanize the news and convey the emotional impact of the events being reported.

Media and News: Journalists use 'scared' to describe the emotional climate of a community during times of crisis.

The headlines screamed that people were scared of the upcoming winter storm.

In the realm of parenting and education, 'scared' is a vital word for emotional literacy. Parents use it to validate their children's feelings, saying things like 'It's okay to be scared of the dark'. Teachers might use it to discuss characters in a book or to address students' anxieties about tests or social situations. In healthcare, particularly in psychology and pediatrics, doctors and therapists use the word to help patients identify and articulate their fears. A doctor might ask a young patient, 'Are you scared of the needle?' to help manage their anxiety. This direct approach allows for better communication and care. Furthermore, in business, leaders might use the word to address organizational change, acknowledging that 'it's natural to be scared of change, but we will face it together'.

Everyday Conversation: Friends often use 'scared' to share personal worries or to react to spooky stories.

I was so scared when I realized I had lost my wallet in the crowded city.

Social media also plays a significant role in the modern usage of 'scared'. People use the word in posts to share their vulnerabilities or to react to viral videos. Phrases like 'I'm scared for the future' or 'This video has me scared' are common in comments sections. The word is also used in memes and internet slang to describe a state of being overwhelmed or intimidated. In sports, athletes might admit to being scared before a big game, which highlights the pressure and high stakes involved. Across all these contexts, 'scared' serves as a bridge between the internal experience of fear and the external world, allowing individuals to communicate one of the most basic and powerful human emotions.

The athlete admitted he was scared of failing his team during the final minutes of the game.

Professional Settings: In some workplaces, 'scared' might be replaced by 'concerned' to maintain a professional tone.

Are you scared to ask your boss for a raise, or are you just waiting for the right time?

The child was scared of the thunder, so his mother held him close.

One of the most frequent errors when using scared is the confusion between 'scared' and 'scary'. As mentioned previously, 'scared' is an adjective that describes how a person feels, while 'scary' describes the thing that causes that feeling. For example, saying 'I am scary of spiders' is incorrect; the correct form is 'I am scared of spiders'. Conversely, 'The spider is scared' means the spider is feeling fear, which is likely not what the speaker intended. Another common mistake involves the use of prepositions. Many learners mistakenly use 'scared about' or 'scared from'. While 'scared about' is occasionally heard in informal speech, 'scared of' is the standard and most widely accepted preposition. 'Scared from' is almost always incorrect in this context.

Scared vs. Scary: Remember: People are 'scared'; things are 'scary'.

Incorrect: I was so scary during the movie. Correct: I was so scared during the movie.

Another area of confusion is the difference between 'scared' and 'afraid'. While they are often interchangeable, 'afraid' is slightly more formal and is never used before a noun. You can say 'a scared child' but not 'an afraid child'. Additionally, 'afraid' is frequently used in polite expressions like 'I'm afraid I can't help you', where 'scared' would be completely inappropriate. Learners also sometimes struggle with the intensity of the word. Using 'scared' for a very minor concern might sound dramatic, while using it for a life-threatening situation might sound too mild. Choosing the right intensifier or a more specific synonym (like 'terrified' or 'nervous') can help convey the exact level of fear. Finally, some people forget that 'scared' can be followed by a 'that' clause, often opting for more complex and less natural-sounding structures.

Preposition Pitfalls: Avoid 'scared from'. Use 'scared of' for the source of fear.

Incorrect: He is scared from dogs. Correct: He is scared of dogs.

In writing, overusing 'scared' can make the prose feel repetitive or simplistic. Good writers often look for more descriptive ways to show fear rather than just telling the reader the character is scared. Instead of 'He was scared', one might write 'His hands shook and his breath came in short, jagged gasps'. This 'show, don't tell' approach is more engaging. However, in everyday speech, 'scared' is perfectly fine and very common. Another mistake is using 'scared' when 'scaredy-cat' (a noun) is intended, though this is mostly limited to informal or childish contexts. Understanding these nuances helps in achieving a more natural and accurate use of the English language. By paying attention to these common pitfalls, you can communicate your feelings of fear more effectively and avoid common learner errors.

Don't be scared to ask for help if you don't understand the instructions.

Word Order: 'Scared' usually comes after the verb 'to be' or 'to feel'.

The scared kitten refused to come out from behind the curtain.

I'm scared that I won't be able to finish the project on time.

While scared is a versatile word, English offers a rich variety of synonyms that can provide more precision depending on the intensity and nature of the fear. 'Afraid' is the closest synonym and is often used interchangeably, though it can feel slightly more formal. 'Frightened' suggests a sudden, sharp feeling of fear, often caused by something unexpected. For example, you might be 'frightened' by a loud bang. 'Terrified' and 'petrified' are much stronger words, used when someone is experiencing extreme fear. 'Petrified' specifically carries the connotation of being so scared that one is unable to move, like stone. 'Horrified' is used when the fear is mixed with shock or disgust, often in response to something gruesome or morally wrong.

Scared vs. Afraid: 'Scared' is more common in speech; 'afraid' is more common in formal writing and polite phrases.

She was scared of the dark, but her brother was absolutely terrified.

For milder forms of fear, words like 'nervous', 'anxious', or 'apprehensive' are more appropriate. These words often describe a feeling of worry about something that hasn't happened yet, rather than a direct response to a present danger. 'Spooked' is an informal word often used to describe a sudden, often irrational fear, frequently applied to animals or people in a creepy environment. 'Startled' describes the brief shock one feels when something happens suddenly, like a surprise. In a more academic or psychological context, one might use 'fearful' or 'phobic'. Understanding these distinctions allows for more nuanced communication. For instance, saying you are 'apprehensive' about a meeting sounds more professional than saying you are 'scared' of it.

Intense Alternatives: Words like 'panicked', 'alarmed', and 'daunted' offer specific shades of being scared.

The hikers were scared by the sudden storm, but they didn't panic.

In literature, writers often use more evocative words like 'quaking', 'trembling', or 'cowering' to describe the physical manifestations of being scared. These verbs provide a more vivid picture of the character's state. 'Intimidated' is another useful alternative, specifically describing a feeling of being scared by someone else's power, talent, or confidence. 'Daunted' is similar but often refers to being scared by the difficulty of a task. By expanding your vocabulary beyond 'scared', you can more accurately describe the complex world of human emotions. Whether you are writing a story, having a conversation, or giving a presentation, choosing the right word for fear can make your communication much more effective and engaging. Exploring these alternatives helps in developing a deeper understanding of the English language and its ability to capture the human experience.

He felt scared and small in the face of such a massive challenge.

Mild Alternatives: Consider 'uneasy', 'jittery', or 'on edge' for lower levels of fear.

The team was scared of the competition, but they practiced hard anyway.

Don't let yourself be scared by the complexity of the project; take it one step at a time.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'scarecrow' comes from the same root, literally meaning something that 'scares crows' away from crops. The use of 'scared' as a common adjective for fear didn't become widespread until the 19th century.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /skeəd/

US /skerd/

The stress is on the single syllable of the word.

Rhymes With

shared paired dared cared prepared declared spared flared

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'scare-ed' (two syllables). It should be one syllable.
Confusing the 'sc' sound with 'sh'.
Not pronouncing the final 'd' clearly.
Over-emphasizing the 'r' in non-rhotic accents.
Mixing it up with the pronunciation of 'scarred'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The word is very common and easy to recognize in text.

Writing 2/5

Requires understanding of prepositions like 'of' and 'to'.

Speaking 1/5

A fundamental word for expressing emotions in daily speech.

Listening 1/5

Easily understood in most contexts due to its frequent use.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

fear feel bad danger worry

Learn Next

afraid frightened terrified anxious brave

Advanced

apprehensive petrified intimidated daunted existential dread

Grammar to Know

Adjectives ending in -ed vs -ing

I am scared (feeling). The movie is scary (cause).

Prepositions after adjectives

Scared of (not from or about).

Infinitives of purpose/result

Scared to jump (the fear prevents the action).

That-clauses for emotions

I am scared that it will rain.

Intensifiers with adjectives

Very scared, really scared, absolutely terrified.

Examples by Level

I am scared of the big dog.

I fear the large animal.

Subject + be + scared + of + noun.

Are you scared of the dark?

Do you feel fear when there is no light?

Question form: Be + subject + scared + of + noun?

She is scared of spiders.

She has a fear of small insects with eight legs.

Third person singular: She is...

Don't be scared!

Do not feel fear.

Imperative form: Don't be + adjective.

He looks scared.

His face shows that he is afraid.

Subject + look + adjective.

The cat is scared of the vacuum cleaner.

The animal fears the loud cleaning machine.

Subject + be + scared + of + noun.

I feel scared when it thunders.

I experience fear during a storm.

Subject + feel + adjective.

We are not scared of monsters.

We do not fear imaginary scary creatures.

Negative form: We are not...

I am scared to go into the deep water.

I am afraid of swimming where it is deep.

Scared + to + infinitive.

He was scared of failing his driving test.

He worried he would not pass the exam.

Scared + of + gerund (-ing).

She felt a bit scared before her presentation.

She was slightly nervous about speaking to a group.

Modifier 'a bit' + scared.

They were scared of getting lost in the city.

They feared they would not find their way.

Scared + of + gerund.

Are you scared to fly in an airplane?

Do you have a fear of air travel?

Scared + to + infinitive.

The little girl was scared of the loud noise.

The child felt fear because of a sudden sound.

Subject + was + scared + of + noun.

I'm scared of losing my phone.

I worry about misplacing my mobile device.

Scared + of + gerund.

He is too scared to jump off the diving board.

His fear prevents him from jumping.

Too + scared + to + infinitive.

I was scared that I wouldn't make it on time.

I was worried about being late.

Scared + that + clause.

She was scared to death when the lights went out.

She was extremely frightened by the sudden darkness.

Idiom: 'scared to death'.

He's scared of what people might think of him.

He worries about others' opinions.

Scared + of + noun clause.

We were scared stiff by the horror movie.

The film made us so afraid we couldn't move.

Idiom: 'scared stiff'.

She's scared of the responsibility of her new job.

The duties of her position make her feel anxious.

Scared + of + noun.

I'm scared that the weather will ruin our trip.

I fear the rain or wind will spoil our vacation.

Scared + that + clause.

He was scared to tell his parents the truth.

He was afraid of their reaction to his honesty.

Scared + to + infinitive.

They are scared of the consequences of their actions.

They fear the results of what they have done.

Scared + of + noun.

Many investors are scared of a sudden market crash.

People who put money in the market fear a big drop in value.

Scared + of + noun phrase.

She was scared to admit she had made a mistake.

She feared the embarrassment of being wrong.

Scared + to + infinitive.

He was scared that his reputation would be ruined.

He worried about what others would think of him.

Scared + that + clause.

The community was scared by the rise in local crime.

People in the area felt unsafe due to more illegal activity.

Passive-like structure: was scared by...

I'm scared of the long-term effects of climate change.

I worry about how the planet will change over time.

Scared + of + noun phrase.

She was scared to take such a big risk with her savings.

She was afraid of losing all her money.

Scared + to + infinitive.

They were scared that the peace talks would fail.

They feared the negotiations would not succeed.

Scared + that + clause.

He felt scared and alone in the unfamiliar city.

He experienced fear and isolation in a new place.

Compound adjective phrase: scared and alone.

The protagonist was scared of the shadows of his own past.

The main character feared his previous mistakes and secrets.

Metaphorical use of 'scared of'.

She was scared to confront the reality of her situation.

She was afraid to face the truth about her life.

Scared + to + infinitive.

He was scared that his creative well had finally run dry.

He feared he had no more new ideas.

Scared + that + clause with a metaphor.

The public is increasingly scared of the erosion of privacy.

People fear that their personal information is no longer safe.

Scared + of + noun phrase.

She felt scared by the sheer scale of the global crisis.

The size of the problem made her feel afraid.

Scared + by + noun phrase.

He was scared to speak out against the injustice he witnessed.

He feared the consequences of protesting.

Scared + to + infinitive.

They were scared that their efforts would be in vain.

They feared their hard work would not achieve anything.

Scared + that + clause.

She was scared of the vulnerability that comes with love.

She feared being hurt by opening her heart.

Scared + of + noun phrase.

He was scared of the existential dread that haunted his nights.

He feared the deep, philosophical anxiety about his existence.

Scared + of + complex noun phrase.

She was scared to acknowledge the depth of her own ambition.

She feared how much she truly wanted to succeed.

Scared + to + infinitive.

The nation was scared of the specter of another world war.

The country feared the possibility of a massive conflict.

Scared + of + metaphorical noun phrase.

He was scared that his life's work would be forgotten.

He feared his legacy would not last.

Scared + that + clause.

She felt scared by the cold indifference of the universe.

The lack of meaning in the world made her feel afraid.

Scared + by + noun phrase.

They were scared to challenge the long-held traditions of their society.

They feared the social backlash of being different.

Scared + to + infinitive.

He was scared of the power he now held in his hands.

He feared the responsibility and potential for misuse of his authority.

Scared + of + noun phrase.

She was scared that her true self would never be understood.

She feared a lifetime of being misperceived by others.

Scared + that + clause.

Synonyms

afraid frightened terrified fearful spooked

Antonyms

brave confident unafraid

Common Collocations

scared of heights

scared of the dark

scared to death

scared stiff

really scared

scared to admit

scared of spiders

scared of flying

scared for someone

scared of failure

Common Phrases

Don't be scared.

— Used to comfort someone and tell them there is no reason to feel fear.

Don't be scared, the dog is very friendly.

I'm scared of...

— The standard way to identify the source of your fear.

I'm scared of snakes.

You scared me!

— Said when someone surprises or startles you suddenly.

You scared me! I didn't hear you come in.

Scared of your own shadow.

— Describes someone who is very easily frightened by anything.

He's so nervous, he's scared of his own shadow.

Scared to do something.

— Describes a hesitation to act because of fear.

I'm scared to ask her for a favor.

Scared that...

— Used to express a worry about a potential future event.

I'm scared that it might rain during the picnic.

Get scared.

— The process of becoming afraid.

I always get scared when I watch horror movies.

Look scared.

— To have a facial expression that shows fear.

You look scared. Is everything okay?

Feel scared.

— To experience the emotion of fear.

It's normal to feel scared before a big operation.

Nothing to be scared of.

— Used to reassure someone that a situation is safe.

There's nothing to be scared of in this room.

Often Confused With

scared vs scary

Scary describes the thing that causes fear; scared describes the person feeling it.

scared vs scarred

Scarred means having a permanent mark from a wound; it is pronounced differently.

scared vs sacred

Sacred means holy or connected to a god; the spelling is very similar but the meaning is different.

Idioms & Expressions

"scared to death"

— Extremely frightened.

I was scared to death when the car nearly hit me.

informal

"scared stiff"

— So frightened that you cannot move.

He was scared stiff when he saw the bear.

informal

"scared witless"

— Extremely frightened, to the point of not being able to think clearly.

The ghost story left the children scared witless.

informal

"scared out of one's wits"

— Extremely frightened.

The sudden explosion scared her out of her wits.

informal

"scared out of one's skin"

— Extremely frightened or startled.

You scared me out of my skin jumping out like that!

informal

"running scared"

— To be very afraid and trying to avoid a difficult situation.

The company is running scared after the new regulations were announced.

neutral

"scaredy-cat"

— A person, especially a child, who is easily frightened.

Don't be such a scaredy-cat; it's just a little spider.

informal/childish

"scared of one's own shadow"

— Very easily frightened.

Ever since the accident, she's been scared of her own shadow.

informal

"scare the living daylights out of someone"

— To frighten someone very much.

That horror movie scared the living daylights out of me.

informal

"scare someone silly"

— To frighten someone very much, often in a playful way.

The kids tried to scare each other silly with ghost stories.

informal

Easily Confused

scared vs afraid

They have almost the same meaning.

Afraid is slightly more formal and is never used before a noun. You can say 'a scared child' but not 'an afraid child'.

I am afraid I can't help you. (Polite use)

scared vs frightened

They are synonyms for fear.

Frightened often implies a sudden shock or surprise, while scared can be a more long-lasting feeling.

The sudden noise frightened me.

scared vs terrified

Both describe fear.

Terrified is much stronger than scared. It describes extreme, overwhelming fear.

I was terrified when I saw the tiger.

scared vs anxious

Both involve negative feelings about the future.

Anxious is more about worry and unease, while scared is more about direct fear of a threat.

I'm anxious about the exam results.

scared vs nervous

Both describe a lack of confidence or fear.

Nervous is usually milder and related to performance or social situations, while scared is more about danger.

I'm nervous about my first day at work.

Sentence Patterns

I am scared of [Noun].

I am scared of dogs.

He is scared to [Verb].

He is scared to swim.

She was scared that [Clause].

She was scared that she would be late.

[Subject] look(s) scared.

The children look scared.

It's nothing to be scared of.

The dark is nothing to be scared of.

[Subject] was scared out of [Possessive] wits.

He was scared out of his wits by the noise.

Don't be scared of [Gerund].

Don't be scared of trying new things.

Are you scared?

Are you scared of the dark?

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written English.

Common Mistakes

I am scary of dogs. → I am scared of dogs.
You should use 'scared' to describe your feelings. 'Scary' describes the dog.
He is scared from the dark. → He is scared of the dark.
The correct preposition to use with 'scared' is 'of'.
She is an afraid girl. → She is a scared girl.
'Afraid' is not used before a noun. Use 'scared' or 'frightened' instead.
I am scared about failing. → I am scared of failing.
While 'about' is sometimes used, 'of' is the standard preposition for the object of fear.
The movie was very scared. → The movie was very scary.
The movie causes the fear, so it is 'scary'. The people watching it are 'scared'.

Tips

Use 'of' for things

When you want to say what is causing the fear, always use the preposition 'of'. For example, 'scared of spiders' or 'scared of the dark'.

Use 'to' for actions

When you are afraid to perform a certain action, use 'to' followed by the verb. For example, 'scared to swim' or 'scared to speak'.

Scared vs. Scary

Remember that 'scared' is how you feel, and 'scary' is what makes you feel that way. A scary movie makes you feel scared.

Show, Don't Tell

In stories, instead of just saying someone is 'scared', describe their shaking hands or wide eyes to make the writing more interesting.

Intensify your fear

Use adverbs like 'really', 'very', or 'so' to show how scared you are. For example, 'I was so scared!'

Watch the spelling

Don't confuse 'scared' with 'sacred' (holy). 'Scared' has the word 'care' in it, which can help you remember the spelling.

Polite 'Afraid'

In polite situations, use 'I'm afraid' instead of 'I'm scared' when giving bad news. For example, 'I'm afraid I can't help you.'

Scared stiff

Use the phrase 'scared stiff' when you want to describe being so afraid that you can't move at all.

One Syllable

Remember that 'scared' is pronounced as one syllable (skerd), not two (scare-ed).

It's okay to be scared

In many English-speaking cultures, admitting you are scared is seen as a sign of honesty, especially for children.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'S-C-A-R-E-D' person: Shaking, Crying, Anxious, Running, Extremely Dreadful.

Visual Association

Imagine a small kitten with its fur standing on end, looking at a large, barking dog. This visual captures the essence of being 'scared'.

Word Web

fear anxiety fright terrified nervous spiders dark heights

Challenge

Try to use the word 'scared' in three different sentences today: one with 'of', one with 'to', and one with 'that'.

Word Origin

The word 'scared' is the past participle of the verb 'scare'. The verb 'scare' comes from the Middle English word 'skeren', which originated from the Old Norse word 'skirra', meaning 'to frighten' or 'to avoid'.

Original meaning: The original meaning in Old Norse was 'to drive off' or 'to frighten away'.

Germanic

Cultural Context

Be mindful when using 'scared' to describe others, as it can sometimes sound patronizing if not used with empathy.

In the US and UK, 'scared' is the most common word for fear, but 'frightened' is slightly more common in British English.

The movie 'Scary Movie' (a parody of horror films). The phrase 'Scared Straight' (a program to deter youth from crime). The song 'Scared to be Lonely' by Martin Garrix and Dua Lipa.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Talking about phobias

I'm scared of heights.
She's scared of spiders.
Are you scared of snakes?
He's scared of flying.

Reacting to a surprise

You scared me!
I got so scared.
That was a big scare.
Don't scare me like that!

Expressing worry about the future

I'm scared that I'll fail.
She's scared of what might happen.
We're scared for our future.
They're scared of the changes.

Watching a horror movie

I'm too scared to watch.
That was a scary scene.
I was scared stiff.
It scared me out of my wits.

Comforting someone

Don't be scared.
There's nothing to be scared of.
It's okay to be scared.
I'm here, don't be scared.

Conversation Starters

"What is one thing you were scared of when you were a child?"

"Are you scared of public speaking, or do you enjoy it?"

"What is the most scared you have ever been in your life?"

"Do you like being scared by horror movies or haunted houses?"

"Is there anything you are scared of that you want to overcome?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you were scared but did something anyway. How did you feel afterward?

What are three things you are currently scared of, and why do they frighten you?

Describe a situation where you helped someone else who was feeling scared.

How does your body feel when you are scared? Describe the physical sensations.

If you could never be scared again, how would your life change? Would it be better or worse?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In the context of 'feeling fear', 'scared' is an adjective. It is the past participle of the verb 'scare'. For example, 'He is scared.' The noun form is 'scare' or 'fear'.

Use 'scared of' followed by a noun or gerund to identify the source of fear (e.g., 'scared of dogs'). Use 'scared to' followed by a verb to describe a fear of doing an action (e.g., 'scared to jump').

While 'scared about' is sometimes used informally, 'scared of' or 'worried about' are more standard and common in English. 'I am scared of the exam' or 'I am worried about the exam' are better choices.

In spoken English, 'scared' is generally more common. In written or more formal English, 'afraid' or 'frightened' are often preferred.

It is spelled S-C-A-R-E-D. Be careful not to confuse it with 'sacred' (holy) or 'scarred' (having scars).

It is an idiom that means to be extremely frightened. It doesn't literally mean you are dying; it's just a way to emphasize how much fear you feel.

Yes, animals can experience fear. We often use 'scared' to describe their reactions, like a cat being 'scared' of a vacuum cleaner.

It is a mild, often childish insult used to tease someone who is easily frightened. It's not usually used in serious or formal situations.

The most common opposites are 'brave', 'confident', 'fearless', or 'unafraid'.

You can use a 'that' clause: 'I am scared that I will lose my job.' This expresses a worry about something that might happen later.