I feared

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I feared" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a feeling of apprehension or anxiety about something that may happen. Example: "I feared that I would not pass the exam after seeing my grades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I feared everything.

The New Yorker

I feared the worst".

Independent

"Yes, I feared extinction.

The New York Times - Sports

Just as I feared.

The New York Times - Travel

"I feared," Mr. Gutierrez recalled.

The New York Times

I feared a lethal topple.

The New Yorker

I feared for my life".

Independent

But better than I feared.

The New York Times

I feared getting fired".

The New York Times

But always I feared the worst.

The New York Times

I feared being perceived as old.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and choose a synonym if "I feared" feels too strong or dramatic for the situation. Alternatives like "I worried" or "I was concerned" might be more appropriate in less intense scenarios.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "I feared" in a short span. It can make your writing sound repetitive and monotonous. Vary your sentence structure by using different phrases or rephrasing the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I feared" primarily functions as an independent clause expressing a subjective experience of apprehension or worry. It introduces a statement about a past feeling, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples, where it's used to describe concerns about future events or potential negative outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I feared" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey personal apprehension or worry. According to Ludwig, the phrase is commonly found in News & Media. While alternatives like "I was afraid" exist, "I feared" offers a slightly more formal tone suitable for various writing contexts. Be mindful of overuse and vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was afraid

Expresses a similar sentiment with a more common and direct wording.

I was scared

Indicates a feeling of fear and concern.

I felt anxiety about

Directly states the feeling of anxiety concerning a specific subject.

I was apprehensive

Indicates a more formal and nuanced sense of unease.

I dreaded

Suggests a strong feeling of aversion and anticipation of something unpleasant.

I worried

Implies a state of concern and anxiety about potential outcomes.

I anticipated with anxiety

Highlights the element of expectation coupled with worry.

I had misgivings

Indicates a feeling of doubt or apprehension about the future.

I foresaw with trepidation

Emphasizes the feeling of fear and anxiety about something that is likely to happen.

I was filled with foreboding

Expresses a strong sense of impending doom or misfortune.

FAQs

What does "I feared" mean?

"I feared" expresses a personal feeling of apprehension or worry about a specific situation or outcome. It indicates that the speaker anticipated something negative might happen.

What can I say instead of "I feared"?

You can use alternatives like "I was afraid", "I was concerned", or "I dreaded" depending on the context.

How to use "I feared" in a sentence?

Use "I feared" when you want to express that you were worried or apprehensive about something. For example: "I feared that the storm would cause damage to my house."

Is "I feared" formal or informal?

"I feared" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but simpler alternatives like "I was afraid" might be preferred in very informal settings.