For fear that

USAGE SUMMARY

"For fear that" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express a concern or apprehension about a potential negative outcome. Example: "She left early for fear that she would miss the train." Alternative expressions include "In case" and "To avoid."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Specifically, he gave a prescription for fear that is dangerous.

Huffington Post

Can't get it together for fear that he's dyin'.

The New Yorker

The queen became hysterical for fear that he would die.

The New Yorker

Sharon had balked, for fear that she'd be starving him.

The New Yorker

Don't name the Devil for fear that you'll summon him.

The Guardian

Qatar imposed a moratorium in 2005 for fear that rapid production could damage the reservoir.

The New York Times

They dare not return home for fear that the government's hired hands will kill them.

The Economist

He was anxious about sharing his observation, for fear that no one would believe him.

The Economist

He says they want a car now for fear that restrictions might be imposed later.

The Economist

Hansbrough does not like working out with coaches for fear that they will alter his routine.

The New York Times - Sports

Many were burned, like kindling, in bonfires, for fear that they might infect the living.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "For fear that" when you want to clearly express that an action is taken specifically because of a concern or apprehension about a potential negative consequence.

Common error

Avoid using "for fear that" when there's no actual fear or negative consequence involved. It's a phrase rooted in apprehension, not neutral planning. In case of positive consequence consider using in case

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for fear that" functions as a subordinating conjunction introducing a clause of reason or purpose, specifically motivated by fear or apprehension. As Ludwig AI indicates, it effectively communicates the cause behind an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for fear that" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a clause explaining the motivation behind an action driven by apprehension. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct to use. Predominantly found in News & Media, it is versatile enough for both formal and informal contexts. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "lest" or in case, keeping in mind the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Out of concern that

Highlights the concern or worry motivating the action.

Lest

A more formal and concise way to express the same sentiment, often used in literary contexts.

Apprehensive that

Highlights the feeling of unease about a possible outcome.

In case

A more general expression indicating precaution, without necessarily implying fear.

Dreading that

Emphasizes the feeling of dread or apprehension.

So that... not

Expresses a purpose to prevent something, similar in function but structurally different.

To avoid the possibility of

A longer, more explicit phrase emphasizing prevention.

To prevent the risk of

Emphasizes the potential danger being avoided.

For the purpose of avoiding

Focuses on the intention to prevent a specific outcome.

With the intention of preventing

Similar to "for the purpose of avoiding" but slightly more formal.

FAQs

How to use "For fear that" in a sentence?

"For fear that" introduces a clause explaining the reason for someone's action, driven by worry or concern. For example, "She locked the door "for fear that" someone would break in" indicates the reason she locked the door was to prevent a break-in.

What can I say instead of "For fear that"?

You can use alternatives like "lest", in case, or "out of concern that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "For fear that" formal or informal?

"For fear that" is generally considered appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, alternatives like "lest" might be preferred in more formal or literary contexts.

What's the difference between "For fear that" and "In case"?

While both express precaution, "for fear that" specifically implies a sense of worry or apprehension about a potential negative outcome. "In case" is a more neutral expression of preparing for a possibility, without necessarily implying fear.