a distinct fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distinct fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific or clearly defined fear that someone experiences. Example: "She had a distinct fear of heights that prevented her from enjoying the view from the top of the mountain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

She said a distinct fear of the other permeated the group.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

School buildings are outfitted with metal detectors, and halls are teeming with police officers who, while there to protect, also instill a distinct, subtle fear and self-loathing.

Huffington Post

The relevant corpus materials are revealing in providing more details of the fear event, which turns out to belong to two distinct fear scenarios.

Cognitive Computation

Our previous analysis of fear in English and Polish [ 18] revealed two distinct fear scenarios: one in which fear paralyses, more frequent in Polish than English, and another where fear is controlled or conquered, more frequent in English than Polish.

Cognitive Computation

The site visits offered the broadest variety of distinct fears, being the only format to include 'fear of medication error' specifically.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Without a distinct identity, we fear American Apparel will simply remain lost in the murkiness of the teen apparel market.

The Guardian - Business

Yet there is now a distinct whiff of fear among the current members about competition from central Europe.

The Economist

Ever since Deng Xiaoping, China had become steadily more receptive to the outside world, but there was still a distinct element of fear and insecurity.

The New Yorker

Some pro-Europeans do not object to a distinct Labour campaign, but fear there may be a wider Labour backsliding on Europe in a bid to woo Ukip voters.

The Guardian

Initially, he was dismayed when actor David Groh affected a distinct Yiddish accent, for fear that Weiss' scenes could "lapse into parody rather easily".

Wikipedia

On reading some of my early drafts, my theatre director and mentor Riggs O'Hara picked up on what I had most feared: a distinct lack of character on Ervine's behalf.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a distinct fear" when you want to emphasize that the fear is easily recognizable, specific, and not vague or general. This phrase adds clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a distinct fear" too frequently in overly dramatic or sensationalized writing. Overusing such phrases can diminish their impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Instead, vary your language to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distinct fear" functions as a noun phrase where "distinct" modifies the noun "fear". It emphasizes that the fear being described is easily identifiable and clearly defined. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a distinct fear" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for emphasizing that a fear is specific, clear, and easily identifiable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While not the most frequent phrase, it adds precision when you need to highlight the clarity of a particular fear. By understanding its nuances and appropriate usage, you can effectively convey the specific nature of the emotion you're describing. Be mindful of overuse, especially in overly dramatic situations, to maintain the phrase's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear fear

Highlights the unambiguous nature of the fear.

a specific fear

Indicates a fear directed towards a particular object or situation.

a palpable fear

Focuses on the tangibility or obviousness of the fear.

a pronounced fear

Emphasizes the noticeable or evident nature of the fear.

an identifiable fear

Suggests the fear can be easily recognized and understood.

a well-defined fear

Implies the fear has clear boundaries and characteristics.

a strong fear

Emphasizes the intensity or power of the fear.

an unmistakable fear

Stresses that the fear cannot be confused with anything else.

a tangible fear

Highlights the feeling that the fear is something that can be almost touched or felt physically.

a marked fear

Emphasizes how visible or noticeable the fear is.

FAQs

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

You can use "a distinct fear" to describe a specific and easily identifiable fear. For example, "She had "a distinct fear" of public speaking that she had to overcome for her job".

What phrases are similar to "a distinct fear"?

Similar phrases include "a palpable fear", "a clear fear", or "a specific fear", which all emphasize the clarity or specificity of the fear.

Is "a distinct fear" the same as "a general fear"?

No, "a distinct fear" implies a specific, well-defined fear, whereas "a general fear" suggests a vague, unfocused sense of anxiety or apprehension.

When is it appropriate to use "a distinct fear" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight that the fear is not just any fear, but one that is easily identified and understood. This phrase is effective when you want to emphasize the clarity or specificity of the emotion.