a feeling of dread

USAGE SUMMARY

"a feeling of dread" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a sense of anxiety or fear that someone has in a particular situation. For example, "As I entered the room, I could feel a feeling of dread in the air."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

As an older car buyer, just walking into a car dealership gives me a feeling of dread: I feel like I'm going to be taken in by a slick salesperson, tricked into buying something I don't want and into spending more than what I want to pay.

Forbes

I looked at the debris and it was only a month later so there was very much a feeling of dread and anxiety.

Huffington Post

Oh I do feel for you Rory - you must be overcome with a feeling of dread every single time you type the word 'linux' into a blog, knowing full well the furore it will create!

BBC

Beneath the veneer of tranquillity, a feeling of dread prevails.

The New York Times

But the night before the trip, a feeling of dread arrived.

The New York Times

You don't quite catch the word, but you have a feeling of dread.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Anxiety has been defined as a feeling of fear, dread, or apprehension that arises without a clear or appropriate justification.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Anxiety disorder, any of several disorders that are characterized by a feeling of fear, dread, or apprehension that arises without a clear or appropriate cause.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And Isometimes have a feeling of great dread at sending him away toschool and yet I do feel that the strict discipline may be just thething.

The New York Times - Books

The only response can be a feeling of mortal dread.

The Guardian

And my second, when Pence introduced the topic of abortion, was a feeling of creeping dread.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a feeling of dread" to effectively convey a sense of impending doom or intense anxiety in your writing. It's particularly useful when describing a character's internal state or setting a suspenseful mood.

Common error

Avoid using "a feeling of dread" excessively, as it can become repetitive and lose its impact. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "sense of foreboding" or "wave of apprehension" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a feeling of dread" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an emotion or sensation, as supported by Ludwig's examples, which showcase its use in various contexts to convey a sense of impending doom or anxiety.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a feeling of dread" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase, effectively conveying a strong sense of apprehension or anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and utilized across various contexts, with its prevalence particularly notable in news and media. While it serves to express a sense of foreboding, it's important to maintain variety in writing by using related alternatives like "sense of foreboding" to prevent repetition. Whether you're crafting a suspenseful narrative or describing a character's inner turmoil, "a feeling of dread" remains a potent tool for evoking a distinct emotional response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sense of foreboding

Focuses more on an impending negative event, rather than the emotion itself.

a looming sense of doom

Conveys a feeling of inevitable and catastrophic misfortune.

mounting trepidation

Focuses on the increasing intensity of fear or anxiety.

a surge of anxiety

Emphasizes the sudden and overwhelming nature of anxiety.

a creeping unease

Highlights a gradual and unsettling feeling of discomfort.

a wave of apprehension

Highlights a milder form of worry or unease.

a premonition of disaster

Suggests a supernatural or intuitive sense of impending calamity.

a shadow of worry

Implies a subtle but persistent feeling of concern.

an inkling of fear

Indicates a subtle or initial awareness of fear.

a heavy heart

Indicates sadness and emotional burden, often related to anticipation of something negative.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a feeling of dread" in a sentence?

Use "a feeling of dread" to describe a character's internal state or the atmosphere of a scene. For example, "A feeling of dread washed over her as she approached the old house."

What are some alternatives to "a feeling of dread"?

You can use alternatives like "sense of foreboding", "wave of apprehension", or "premonition of disaster" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a feeling of dread"?

Yes, "a feeling of dread" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity based on a wide range of sources.

What is the difference between "a feeling of dread" and "anxiety"?

"A feeling of dread" often implies a specific, impending threat or negative event, while "anxiety" is a more general state of worry or unease that may not be tied to a particular cause.