Cool MateDon't be afraid vs Don't worry
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Don't be afraid
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Don't worry
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Don't worry
| Don't be afraid | Don't worry | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //dəʊnt biː əˈfreɪd//🇺🇸 //doʊnt bi əˈfreɪd// | 🇬🇧 //dəʊnt ˈwʌri//🇺🇸 //doʊnt ˈwɜri// |
| Meaning | Don't worry or be scared. | A way to tell someone not to be anxious. |
| Example | When facing a new challenge, remember, don't be afraid. | You'll be fine on your exam, so just don't worry. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | be afraid of, don't be afraid, afraid to speak, don't be afraid to try | don't worry about it, don't worry too much, don't worry, everything will be fine |
| Antonyms | - | worry, fret, stress |
| Common mistakes | Sometimes learners add 'to' incorrectly, saying 'Don't be afraid to'., 'Afraid' is sometimes confused with 'scared', which can have slight differences. | Omitting 'don't' and saying 'worry'., Using it in overly serious contexts., Confusing with 'don't care'. |
| Usage notes | Used to comfort or encourage someone. Might be less appropriate in serious contexts where fear is warranted. | Use in reassuring contexts; avoid in serious situations where worry is justified. |
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Frequently asked questions: Don't be afraid vs Don't worry
What's the difference between Don't be afraid and Don't worry?
Don't be afraid: Don't worry or be scared. Don't worry: A way to tell someone not to be anxious.
Which is more common: Don't be afraid and Don't worry?
Don't worry is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Don't be afraid: When facing a new challenge, remember, don't be afraid. Don't worry: You'll be fine on your exam, so just don't worry.
Can I use Don't be afraid and Don't worry interchangeably?
Not always. Don't be afraid 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.