I dread that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I dread that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong feeling of fear or apprehension about a future event or situation. Example: "I dread that I will have to give a presentation in front of the entire company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

But I think most prospective parents would be anxious not to make any mistakes – I dread that, if our children turn to adults and have insurmountable problems, they'll blame us for being bad at parenting.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"On each occasion, on every piston stroke, I dread that he'll break through and shaft my soft-boned skull and seed my thoughts with his essence, with the teeming cream of his banality".

The Guardian - Books

I recognize that this gesture will most likely be considered an imposition by this person, even if only for a second, and I dread that.

Huffington Post

"I dread that — with" Bertie's "small empty brain — very much for future children".

The New York Times - Books

But the reformers have been on such a scorched-earth rampage of late that I dread that the next state budget will be the one that cuts us out.

The New York Times

I dread that happening to me.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"More and more I dreaded that I would lose my trust in humankind".

The Guardian - Books

"Me being the prude I was, and still am, I dreaded that so much!

The New Yorker

Though I dreaded that she would stop breathing, I was relieved that she would die of natural causes and not from suicide.

The New York Times - Books

Ever since I found myself described as a 'wild child' in a local paper as a teenager, I dreaded that one day I would wake up to find paparazzi outside my door.

The Guardian - Tech

When I returned this spring I dreaded that I would be disappointed – that the sea could never be as blue as I remembered, the islands as perfect, the landscape on the mainland as grand, the views across the Minch towards the Outer Hebrides as spectacular and the village as hospitable.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I dread that" when you want to express a strong feeling of fear or apprehension about a specific future event or situation. Ensure that the context clearly indicates the source of your dread.

Common error

Avoid using "I dread that" for minor inconveniences or dislikes. This phrase conveys a significant level of fear or anxiety, so reserve it for situations that genuinely cause you considerable distress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I dread that" functions as a declarative statement expressing a strong feeling of apprehension or fear. It introduces a clause that specifies the object or situation causing this dread. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with multiple examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I dread that" is used to express a strong feeling of fear or apprehension about a future event or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears most frequently in news and media contexts. While alternatives such as "I fear that" or "I'm afraid that" exist, "I dread that" conveys a particularly intense level of anxiety. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants such a strong emotion and consider its impact on your audience. Avoid using "I dread that" for minor inconveniences or dislikes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I fear that

Uses a more direct synonym for "dread", maintaining a similar level of formality.

I'm afraid that

Introduces a slightly less intense emotion of fear or worry.

I anticipate with dread that

Adds emphasis on the anticipation of something unpleasant.

I have a foreboding feeling that

Conveys a sense of impending doom or negative outcome.

I am anxious that

Focuses on the anxiety and worry associated with a potential event.

I am apprehensive that

Emphasizes hesitation and uneasiness about something that might happen.

I foresee with concern that

Highlights the element of foresight combined with worry.

I expect with trepidation that

Implies a nervous or fearful expectation.

It fills me with dread that

Shifts the focus to the feeling itself, rather than the actor.

I shudder to think that

Expresses a strong aversion to considering a particular possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "I dread that" in a sentence?

Use "I dread that" to express strong fear or apprehension about a future event. For example, "I dread that I will have to speak in public."

What are some alternatives to "I dread that"?

You can use alternatives such as "I fear that", "I'm afraid that", or "I anticipate with dread that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "I dread that" and "I dislike that"?

"I dread that" indicates a strong feeling of fear or apprehension, while "I dislike that" expresses a simple aversion or preference against something. The former is a much stronger emotional statement.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I dread that"?

Yes, "I dread that" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard subject-verb-conjunction structure. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples from reputable sources.