I fear that

USAGE SUMMARY

"I fear that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express worry or concern about something that may happen or is happening. Here is an example sentence: "I fear that my boss will not be pleased with my presentation tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I fear that is where we are.

The Guardian

But I fear that wouldn't be the same.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I fear that soon they will be hourly".

The Guardian - Sport

"I fear that is the case with Mr. Brandon.

The New Yorker

"I fear that it's inviting disaster".

The New York Times

I fear that sudden demises always help.

The New York Times - Magazine

I fear that Riyadh is Red Square.

The New York Times

I fear that it will end here.

The New York Times

But I fear that he has not.

The New Yorker

But I fear that they are right.

The Guardian - Opinion

I fear that the rules have changed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I fear that" to express concern or apprehension about a situation, but avoid overuse to maintain impact. Vary your sentence structure with alternatives like "I'm afraid that" or "My concern is that".

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "I fear that". This can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Instead, vary your sentence structure and use synonyms to express concern in different ways.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I fear that" functions as a declarative statement expressing concern, worry, or apprehension about a particular situation or potential outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English, suggesting it's a standard way to convey a speaker's anxiety or unease.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I fear that" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express concern or apprehension. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a standard way to convey worry about a situation or potential outcome, particularly in neutral to slightly formal contexts. While highly prevalent in news and media, it is important to vary sentence structure and avoid overuse to maintain impact. Consider using alternatives like "I'm afraid that" or "My concern is that" to diversify your writing and avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm afraid that

A slightly less formal way to express the same concern.

I'm worried that

Emphasizes a state of worry about a potential outcome.

My concern is that

Highlights the user's concern as the central point.

I have a feeling that

Suggests an intuitive sense of a negative outcome.

It is my belief that

Indicates a conviction about a negative future event.

I suspect that

Expresses a suspicion or doubt about a particular situation.

I anticipate that

Suggests an expectation of a negative outcome.

I foresee that

Indicates a prediction, often of an unfavorable event.

I dread to think that

Emphasizes a strong aversion to considering a particular outcome.

I am apprehensive that

A more formal way to express unease or anxiety about something.

FAQs

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

You can use "I fear that" to express concern or worry about a possible outcome. For example, "I fear that the company will face significant losses this quarter."

What are some alternatives to "I fear that"?

Alternatives include "I'm afraid that", "I'm worried that", or "my concern is that". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of concern you want to express.

Is it too formal to use "I fear that" in everyday conversation?

While "I fear that" can sound slightly formal, it is perfectly acceptable in many everyday situations, especially when expressing genuine concern. However, in very casual settings, you might prefer a less formal alternative like "I'm worried that".

What is the difference between "I fear that" and "I suspect that"?

"I fear that" expresses worry or apprehension about a potential negative outcome, while "I suspect that" indicates a belief or hunch, often without the same level of emotional concern. For example, "I fear that the project will fail" expresses worry, whereas ""I suspect that" he is hiding something" expresses a belief.