afraid of making a mistake vs afraid to make a mistake

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Afraid of making a mistake' is more commonly used when referring to the fear associated with the process of making a mistake, while 'afraid to make a mistake' is often used when expressing reluctance or hesitation to actually make a mistake.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1380 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"afraid of making a mistake"

This phrase is used to express fear or anxiety related to the act of making a mistake.

Examples:

She is afraid of making a mistake in front of her boss.
I am afraid of making a mistake on this important project.
He is afraid of making a mistake in his speech.
They are afraid of making a mistake in their relationship.
The students are afraid of making a mistake on the exam.

Show examples from the web [+]

Now, I was so afraid of making a mistake and being sent back to the lab that I followed that training exactly.
I'm afraid of making a mistake, you know?
And why are you so afraid of making a mistake?
The archer lets many an arrow pass far from the target because he knows that he will only learn the importance of the bow, posture, the string and the target after he repeats his gestures thousands of times without being afraid of making a mistake.
Afraid of making a big mistake.
Don't be afraid of making mistakes.
You need not be afraid of making mistakes.
And were afraid of making mistakes in court.
Do not be afraid of making mistakes, they are part of the learning process.
By getting rid of all those memories, I feel more confident, stronger, not afraid of making mistakes.
So you're afraid of making the same mistakes your parents made. No.
Actually, I was afraid of making the same mistake.
I'm afraid оf making a big mistake.
Yоu said уоu were afraid оf making a big mistake.
The crime of making a mistake.
She accused me of making a mistake.
She accused me of making a mistake.
You are afraid of making a decision.
We agreed there was only one crime we could commit, that of making a mistake.
You think you're incapable of making a mistake?

Alternatives:

worried about making a mistake
concerned about making a mistake
nervous about making a mistake

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"afraid to make a mistake"

This phrase is used to express reluctance or hesitation to actually make a mistake.

Examples:

She is afraid to make a mistake and ruin the project.
I am afraid to make a mistake and disappoint my parents.
He is afraid to make a mistake and lose his job.
They are afraid to make a mistake and damage their reputation.
The students are afraid to make a mistake and fail the exam.

Show examples from the web [+]

And do not be afraid to make a mistake.
Don't be afraid to make a mistake.
And I'm not afraid to make mistakes.
I was afraid you'd make a mistake.
Aren't you ever afraid to make mistakes?
You come in here saying you want to catch Lobos at any cost, but actually you're just afraid to make another mistake.
We need him to make a mistake.
We can't afford to make a mistake with the red queen so close.
[Cristina] Wrong time to make a mistake, with the merger.
We're bound to make a mistake.
In rosewood, you don't have room to make a mistake.
You have to wait for them to make a mistake.
You have to wait for them to make a mistake.
I'm asking you to make a mistake.
But every body is an opportunity for him to make a mistake.
The monster is going to make a mistake when least expected.
Chief Connors is just too good a SEAL to make a mistake like that.
His arrogance will lead him to make a mistake.
I was going to make a mistake.
A young girl like you was bound to make a mistake.

Alternatives:

hesitant to make a mistake
reluctant to make a mistake
unwilling to make a mistake

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afraid of making a mistake vs afraid to make a mistake