a degree of fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a degree of fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a certain level or intensity of fear experienced in a situation. Example: "As she walked through the dark alley, she felt a degree of fear creeping in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It's tempting to see a degree of fear too: the prize, a unique three-tournament run, is so close but also feels like an obligation.

The Guardian - Sport

He accepts that a degree of "fear and greed" is present in the market, but points out that this can hardly be legislated away.

The Guardian

Markets are being suppressed by a degree of fear not experienced since the early 20th century (1907 and 1932 come to mind).

The Economist

But I am unable to fully participate in life as I was doing then so there is a degree of fear due to my health situation.

Harvard University

Yet humans are designed to experience a degree of fear – manage it out of their lives and they will seek it elsewhere, on the internet or with self-destructive behaviour.

The Guardian - Opinion

It may no longer be a search for a new land, but it can still be a trip that offers a degree of fear, drama, solitude and, ultimately, satisfaction.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

However gloomy and distasteful it is to drive by a motorway pile-up, a degree of honest fear, combined with acknowledgement that a car is perpetually crashable, not perfectly invincible, seems to make drivers better not worse.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Chemical weapons represent what is called a dreaded risk ― a risk that people instinctively react to with a high degree of fear and panic because it is invisible, insidious, and indiscriminate," said Gregory Koblentz, associate professor and director of the Biodefense Graduate Program at George Mason University.

Huffington Post

But, for a while, the Fukushima meltdowns have returned nuclear technology to its rightful place: a target for vigilance, scrutiny, and a healthy degree of fear.

The New Yorker

If you're a parent, you've probably experienced a certain degree of fear at some point or another about your kids using the Internet.

HuffPost

[PNC 140433] Over a fifth of the respondents cited a certain degree of fear of partner's rejection and/or negative reactions.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a degree of fear" to precisely communicate the intensity of fear experienced, avoiding overstatements or understatements of the emotion.

Common error

Avoid using "a degree of fear" when the situation warrants stronger terms like terror or dread. Ensure the phrase accurately reflects the intensity of the emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a degree of fear" functions as a noun phrase acting as an object of a verb or a prepositional complement. It indicates the extent to which fear is present in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a degree of fear" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe a specific level or intensity of fear. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not exceedingly common, the phrase finds its place primarily in news, academic, and scientific contexts. It serves to quantify or qualify the emotion of fear, offering a more nuanced perspective than simpler expressions. When using this phrase, consider the level of formality required and ensure it accurately reflects the intended intensity of the emotion. Alternatives such as "some apprehension" or "a touch of trepidation" can be used to fine-tune the specific meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of fear

This alternative suggests a milder level of fear compared to the original phrase.

a trace of fear

This indicates an even subtler presence of fear, almost imperceptible.

some apprehension

This replaces fear with a more formal term suggesting anxiety or unease.

a certain unease

This shifts the focus to a feeling of discomfort or anxiety without explicitly mentioning fear.

a slight anxiety

This alternative uses a clinical term to describe a mild form of fear or worry.

a touch of trepidation

Implies a more formal and literary sense of fear or apprehension.

a modicum of fear

This suggests a small or limited amount of fear.

a shade of fear

This indicates a very slight or subtle presence of fear.

some trepidation

Trepidation replaces the directness of "fear" with a sense of worried anticipation or anxiety, a less intense alternative.

slight concern

Focuses on worry rather than outright fear, softening the emotional impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "a degree of fear" to describe the intensity of fear experienced in a particular situation. For example: "The hikers felt "a degree of fear" as they realized they were lost in the dense forest."

What are some alternatives to "a degree of fear"?

Alternatives include "some apprehension", "slight anxiety", or "a touch of trepidation", each conveying a slightly different nuance of unease or worry.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a degree of fear"?

Yes, "a degree of fear" is grammatically correct. It uses "degree" as a noun to quantify or specify the amount or intensity of the emotion of fear.

What's the difference between "a degree of fear" and "a lot of fear"?

"A degree of fear" suggests a measured, specific level of fear, while "a lot of fear" is more general and less precise. The former is often used in more formal contexts.