Scared? Afraid? What's the difference?

Summary

In this video, Teacher Mike explains the subtle differences between the words 'scared' and 'afraid.' Both adjectives describe fear, but they are used in different contexts. While both can describe being afraid of something, 'scared' is also the past tense of the verb 'scare' and is more flexible in structure. On the other hand, 'afraid' is always an adjective and is often used in polite or formal situations to express regret, like when delivering bad news. Mike provides numerous examples to highlight how to use both words correctly in everyday situations, making it easier for learners to understand and apply these terms.

Takeaways

• 😀 Scared and afraid are both adjectives that describe the feeling of fear, but they are used differently in certain contexts.
• 😀 Both words typically describe fear about something bad, dangerous, or painful happening (e.g., 'I'm scared of spiders' or 'I'm afraid of spiders').
• 😀 The word 'afraid' is used with 'of' to describe what causes the fear (e.g., 'She is afraid of rats').
• 😀 'Scared' can also function as the past tense form of the verb 'scare,' which means to cause fear (e.g., 'Ghosts scare me').
• 😀 'Scared' can be used in perfect tenses and passive voice (e.g., 'My dog has scared many people' or 'She was scared by the loud noise').
• 😀 'Scared of' is often related to imagination or abstract fear (e.g., 'I’m scared of ghosts'), while 'scared by' implies a specific event or object causing fear (e.g., 'I was scared by a ghost').
• 😀 'Afraid' can be used in polite expressions, especially when delivering bad news, without implying actual fear (e.g., 'I'm afraid I have some bad news').
• 😀 When giving bad news or disagreeing, 'afraid' is used politely, while 'scared' is not appropriate (e.g., 'I’m afraid I have to cancel our plans').
• 😀 The adjective 'afraid' cannot directly precede a noun (e.g., 'I saw an afraid child' is incorrect, but 'I saw a scared child' is correct).
• 😀 'Afraid' is always an adjective and never a noun or verb, while 'scared' can also function as the past tense and third form of the verb 'scare'.

Q & A

What is the main difference between 'scared' and 'afraid'?

'Scared' and 'afraid' both describe the feeling of fear, but 'scared' can be both an adjective and the past tense of the verb 'scare', whereas 'afraid' is strictly an adjective and never used as a verb or noun.

Can 'scared' be used in different tenses?

Yes, 'scared' can be used in different tenses, such as in the present perfect ('My dog has scared many people') or in the passive voice ('She was scared by the loud noise').

How are 'scared' and 'afraid' used with the verb 'to be'?

Both 'scared' and 'afraid' are typically used with the verb 'to be', such as 'I am scared' or 'She is afraid'. This structure helps express the state of fear.

What is the difference between 'scared of' and 'scared by'?

'Scared of' refers to fear of something, which may be imagined or real (e.g., 'I'm scared of ghosts'). 'Scared by' refers to a specific instance or event that caused fear (e.g., 'She was scared by the loud noise').

Can you use 'afraid' in a sentence about personal fear?

Yes, you can use 'afraid' to express fear, but it often refers to more abstract or general fears (e.g., 'I'm afraid of heights'), whereas 'scared' tends to refer to immediate, specific instances of fear.

In what situations is 'afraid' preferred over 'scared'?

'Afraid' is often used in polite or formal contexts, such as giving bad news ('I'm afraid I have some bad news') or expressing regret ('I'm afraid I have to cancel').

Can 'afraid' be used directly before a noun?

No, 'afraid' cannot be used directly before a noun. For example, you cannot say 'an afraid child'. Instead, you would use 'scared', as in 'a scared child'.

What does 'scared to do something' mean?

'Scared to do something' means that you do not want to do something because you think something bad will happen (e.g., 'She’s scared to tell her mother the truth').

What is the significance of using 'afraid' in formal contexts?

'Afraid' is used in formal or polite speech, often to introduce bad news or express regret. It doesn’t necessarily mean the speaker is scared, but it softens the delivery of uncomfortable information.

Can you say 'scared of' for something imagined?

Yes, 'scared of' can refer to something imagined or not directly experienced, such as 'I'm scared of ghosts' even if you have never seen one.