a cloud of fear

USAGE SUMMARY

"a cloud of fear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of dread that hangs over a situation or group of people. For example, "She walked into the room and felt a cloud of fear descend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

A cloud of fear hangs over the country.

The Guardian - Opinion

The initial Union assault on Fort Sumter in April 1863 occurred under a cloud of fear and caution.

The New York Times

"A cloud of fear has enveloped the country," one Saudi academic, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, citing his personal safety, said in an interview.

The Washington Post

At the same time, with the government stepping up border and immigration enforcement, a cloud of fear has settled over immigrants who were worried that the rallies would lead to more sweeps.

The New York Times

A cloud of fear hangs over the neighborhood, a fear that Red Hook — a place of pioneers and craftspeople who were artisanal before the word went mainstream, and who rewarded people who ventured to the neighborhood with great food, drinks and song — had lost some of its desirability because of the storm.

The New York Times

People work under a cloud of fear and suspicion.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The stench in the air, as if produced by an incinerator filled with burning rubber, metal, flesh, hopes, and dreams, and it all formed a cloud of fear-driven above our heads.

Huffington Post

These nightmares fill Toni with an overwhelming sadness, and sometimes she wakes up in a cold cloud of fear.

The New Yorker

We know what those laboring under a perpetual cloud of fear cannot know: God's favorite artistic medium is corpses.

Huffington Post

Misinformed about the improving state of the world, people wander about under a cloud of superstition and fear.

The Guardian - Opinion

Today, pregnant women in El Salvador live under a cloud of suspicion and fear, placing their health, lives, and freedom at risk as soon as they enter a hospital seeking critical medical services.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cloud of fear" to effectively portray a pervasive sense of anxiety or dread affecting individuals or communities. This metaphor is especially potent when describing the psychological impact of political events, social unrest, or personal crises.

Common error

While "a cloud of fear" is a powerful image, avoid using it in situations that are only mildly unsettling. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Reserve it for truly significant and impactful situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cloud of fear" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It depicts fear as a pervasive, intangible entity that overshadows a situation or group. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cloud of fear" is a noun phrase used to describe a pervasive feeling of dread or anxiety. Ludwig AI validates it as grammatically correct and usable in written English. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, though its use extends to more formal writing. While effective, overusing this metaphor can diminish its impact. Consider alternative expressions like "a sense of dread" or "an atmosphere of apprehension" to add variety to your writing. The key is to reserve it for situations where the feeling of fear is truly significant and widespread.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sense of dread

Focuses on the feeling of impending doom and apprehension.

a feeling of foreboding

Focuses specifically on the anticipation of future misfortune.

an atmosphere of apprehension

This shifts the focus to the surrounding environment and the feeling it evokes.

an aura of dread

Implies a surrounding atmosphere characterized by intense fear and apprehension.

a pervasive sense of alarm

Emphasizes the widespread and noticeable feeling of danger or threat.

a wave of terror

This alternative suggests a sudden and overwhelming surge of fear, emphasizing its intensity.

an undercurrent of unease

This highlights a subtle but persistent feeling of discomfort and anxiety.

a pall of trepidation

This conveys a sense of gloom and foreboding related to fear.

a blanket of anxiety

This emphasizes the smothering and all-encompassing nature of the anxiety.

a climate of intimidation

This suggests that fear is being deliberately used to control people.

FAQs

How can I use "a cloud of fear" in a sentence?

You can use "a cloud of fear" to describe a situation where there's a widespread feeling of anxiety or dread. For instance, "A cloud of fear settled over the town after the series of robberies".

What's a good alternative to "a cloud of fear"?

Alternatives include "a sense of dread", "an atmosphere of apprehension", or "a wave of terror", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a cloud of fear" an overused expression?

While not extremely common, "a cloud of fear" is a well-established metaphor. Use it judiciously to avoid sounding cliché, and consider alternatives if you find yourself using it frequently. The impact can be lessened with overuse.

What kind of situations is "a cloud of fear" best suited for?

"A cloud of fear" is most effective when describing situations involving widespread anxiety, impending danger, or oppressive environments, especially in the aftermath of traumatic events or during periods of social unrest.