I was always afraid of vs I was afraid of

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "I was always afraid of" implies a continuous or repeated fear over a period of time, while "I was afraid of" simply states a past fear without specifying the duration. The choice between the two depends on whether you want to emphasize the ongoing nature of the fear or just state a past fear.

Last updated: March 11, 2024 • 1119 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express a continuous or repeated fear over a period of time.

"I was always afraid of "

This phrase is used to indicate a consistent fear that persisted over time. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of the fear.

Examples:

I was always afraid of the dark when I was a child.
She was always afraid of spiders, no matter how small they were.

Show examples from the web [+]

I was always afraid of dying. Always. It was my fear that made me learn everything I could about my airplane and my emergency equipment, and kept me flying ...
"In school I was always afraid of being called on, even when I knew the answers. When I got a job, I hated to meet with my boss. I couldn't eat lunch with my ...
"In school I was always afraid of being called on, even when I knew the answers. When I got a job, I hated to meet with my boss. I couldn't eat lunch with my ...
I was always afraid of what I might think—so it seemed safer not to think at all. But now I know. A thought is like a child inside our body. It has to be born. If it dies ...

Alternatives:

I was constantly afraid of
I was perpetually afraid of
I was consistently afraid of
I was continuously afraid of
I was regularly afraid of

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express a past fear without specifying the duration or frequency.

"I was afraid of"

This phrase is used to simply state a past fear without emphasizing the ongoing nature of the fear.

Examples:

I was afraid of heights when I went on the roller coaster.
He was afraid of failing the exam.

Show examples from the web [+]

I was afraid of that → me lo temía to be afraid of one's own shadow → tener miedo hasta de su propia sombra. 2. (= sorry) I'm afraid he's out → lo siento, pero no ...
afraid of doing something: I was afraid of getting lost. afraid to do something: If you don't know the answer, don't be afraid to say so. Synonyms and related words.
For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. Holman Christian Standard Bible For the thing I feared has ...
And I was afraid—of making matters worse by meddling with it at all. and went and hid thy talent in the earth—This depicts the conduct of all those who shut up ...

Alternatives:

I used to be afraid of
I had a fear of
I had been afraid of
I had a phobia of
I had a terror of

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I was always afraid of vs I was afraid of