Cool MateDon't be scared vs Don't worry
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Don't be scared
Top 2,000 (common)
Don't worry
Top 2,000 (common)
| Don't be scared | Don't worry | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //dəʊnt biː skɛəd//🇺🇸 //doʊnt bi skɛrd// | 🇬🇧 //dəʊnt ˈwʌri//🇺🇸 //doʊnt ˈwɜri// |
| Meaning | Don't feel afraid. | A way to tell someone not to be anxious. |
| Example | Before the performance, I told her, 'Don't be scared; you will do great!' | You'll be fine on your exam, so just don't worry. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | don't be scared of, don't be scared to try, don't be scared when, don't be scared because | don't worry about it, don't worry too much, don't worry, everything will be fine |
| Antonyms | - | worry, fret, stress |
| Common mistakes | Learners might use 'scared' incorrectly as a noun., Learners may confuse 'scared' with 'scarred'. | Omitting 'don't' and saying 'worry'., Using it in overly serious contexts., Confusing with 'don't care'. |
| Usage notes | "Don't be scared" is commonly used to comfort someone. It's suitable in informal and friendly contexts but may not be appropriate in very serious situations. | Use in reassuring contexts; avoid in serious situations where worry is justified. |
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Frequently asked questions: Don't be scared vs Don't worry
What's the difference between Don't be scared and Don't worry?
Don't be scared: Don't feel afraid. Don't worry: A way to tell someone not to be anxious.
Can you show an example of each?
Don't be scared: Before the performance, I told her, 'Don't be scared; you will do great!' Don't worry: You'll be fine on your exam, so just don't worry.
Can I use Don't be scared and Don't worry interchangeably?
Not always. Don't be scared and Don't worry are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.