Fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'fear' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an emotion of being afraid or apprehensive. For example: "When I heard the loud crash, fear rushed through my body."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Migrants who have permission to be in the UK are avoiding seeking vital medical treatment for fear of being arrested, a charity has warned.

The Guardian

Any attack on that and I do fear it would result in industrial action".

The Guardian

There will be all sorts of obstacles to the sort of Iranian-American relations that the Saudis fear.

The Guardian

"We have seen detainees' mental and physical health deteriorate in immigration detention and we fear for this man's wellbeing given his existing reported vulnerabilities".

The Guardian

Don't forget the chaos and fear of 2008.

The Economist

Never fear!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Without mentioning Bachmann by name, McCain described the attacks on Abedin, a Muslim, as an example of ignorance and fear.

The Guardian

The Guardian published the story after the Daily Telegraph refused to for fear of offending its readers, even after the paper had paid a substantial sum to secure the exclusive rights.

The Guardian - Books

Investors' greatest fear now is lack of growth.

The Guardian - Business

Related: Hands across the divide: Cypriots go where their politicians fear to tread Eide, a former Norwegian foreign minister who is the UN secretary general's special representative, says he does not expect Friday's meeting, the first since talks were stalled last October, to go beyond a "general exchange of views".

The Guardian

Jake Healey, a student at the University of West England, says: "Shyness depends on the situation – meeting new people, fear of them not liking me, wanting to make a good first impression".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using precise language to differentiate between "fear" and related concepts like anxiety or apprehension, depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid stating merely that someone feels "fear" without indicating the specific trigger or object of their apprehension. Clearly identify what is causing the emotion to avoid ambiguity and enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The word "fear" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a strong emotion caused by perceived danger, or as a verb, meaning to feel afraid or apprehensive. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it can also express veneration or reverence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "fear" is a versatile word that functions as both a noun and a verb, conveying feelings of apprehension, dread, and reverence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, primarily in news, formal business, and scientific domains. When employing "fear" in writing, it is crucial to specify the cause and intensity of the emotion to ensure clarity and precision. While alternatives like "anxiety", "apprehension", and "dread" can be used, the specific context should guide the choice to accurately reflect the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Anxiety

Focuses on the emotional state of worry and unease.

Apprehension

Emphasizes anticipation of future adversity or trouble.

Dread

Highlights intense aversion or reluctance.

Alarm

Stresses a sudden awareness of danger or threat.

Trepidation

Indicates hesitant anticipation with some anxiety.

Worry

Implies a state of concern about potential problems.

Concern

Suggests a feeling of care or interest with a hint of anxiety.

Unease

Describes a lack of comfort or peace of mind.

Doubt

Highlights uncertainty or distrust, often leading to apprehension.

Distrust

Signifies a lack of confidence or reliance, causing potential anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "fear" in a sentence?

You can use "fear" as a noun to describe the emotion itself, such as "Her voice trembled with fear". Or as a verb, to express feeling afraid, like "I fear the consequences of my actions".

What are some alternatives to the word "fear"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "anxiety", "apprehension", or "dread".

What's the difference between "fear" and anxiety?

"Fear" is typically a response to an immediate threat, while "anxiety" is often a more general and persistent feeling of worry or unease about potential future events.

Is it correct to say "I have a fear of" or "I am in fear of"?

Both are grammatically correct. "I have a fear of" is more common in everyday language, while "I am in fear of" can add emphasis or formality to the sentence.