a feeling of fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a feeling of fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an emotional state or reaction to a situation that induces fear. Example: "As she walked through the dark alley, a feeling of fear washed over her, making her heart race."

✓ Grammatically correct

Horror story

Political censorship

Anxiety disorder

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Horror story, a story in which the focus is on creating a feeling of fear.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Russia media has systematically cultivated a feeling of fear and anxiety," the report found.

The New Yorker

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nothing less is involved that that which makes for an atmosphere of freedom as against a feeling of fear and repression for society as a whole.

Cornell University

And when that happened, Albert came to associate what had previously been neutral, the white rabbit, with a feeling of fear.

Yale University

There's a feeling of fear that goes with that, the fear of a government that wants to control every single move a person makes.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

In any given situation suffering may include some or all of the following: guilt, a feeling of unworthiness, fear of change, fear of conflict, inability to see options or alternatives, stubbornness, or a belief that life has to be difficult.

WikiHow

If the leader told you to go break into a military barracks, I will break in with a brave heart and without any feeling of fear at all — you're not even tired".

Independent

Anxiety, a feeling of dread, fear, or apprehension, often with no clear justification.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Yeezus" may be ugly but it doesn't give me a feeling of generalized fear or hatred (except of West himself).

The New Yorker

He hinted at a feeling of resignation, fearing that he would be unable to find work if he was convicted of the stabbing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for impact in your writing, consider intensifying the phrase with modifiers (e.g., "an overwhelming feeling of fear", "a paralyzing feeling of fear") to convey the magnitude of the emotion.

Common error

While "a feeling of fear" is acceptable, overusing it can make your writing monotonous. Vary your language by using synonyms like "apprehension", "dread", or "anxiety" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a feeling of fear" functions primarily as a noun phrase, describing a subjective emotional experience. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in expressing an emotional state or reaction to a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a feeling of fear" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to articulate a subjective emotional state. As Ludwig AI accurately indicates, it’s often deployed to describe someone's reaction to a perceived threat or an anxiety-inducing situation. While versatile and appropriate across various contexts, from news reports to personal narratives, varying your vocabulary with alternatives like "apprehension" or "dread" can enrich your writing. The phrase is neutral in register and communicates a state of unease. Ludwig shows that this phrase is especially common in News & Media and Science sources, showing its relevance in contemporary communications and research.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a creeping terror

Emphasizes the gradual and insidious onset of intense fear.

a surge of dread

Highlights the anticipation of something terrible happening, creating intense fear.

a heart full of dread

Emphasizes the emotional impact of dread, creating an intense and personal fear.

a mounting dread

Focuses on the increasing intensity of dread over time, heightening the sense of fear.

a wave of anxiety

Emphasizes the sudden and overwhelming nature of anxiety, akin to a surge of fear.

a deep-seated anxiety

Describes a persistent and underlying anxiety, which can manifest as chronic fear.

a palpable anxiety

Indicates an anxiety that is so strong it feels almost tangible or noticeable to others.

a sense of unease

Focuses on a mild feeling of discomfort or anxiety, less intense than fear.

a chilling premonition

Highlights a sense of impending doom, causing fear based on intuition or a bad feeling.

a state of apprehension

Indicates a formal and sustained sense of worry or fear about the future.

FAQs

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

You can use "a feeling of fear" to describe someone's emotional state in response to a perceived threat or anxiety. For example, "a feeling of fear washed over her as she walked alone at night".

What's a more descriptive alternative to "a feeling of fear"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a sense of dread", "a wave of anxiety", or "a chilling premonition" to provide a more nuanced description of the emotion.

Is "a feeling of fear" formal or informal?

"A feeling of fear" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality allows it to be used across various writing styles and situations.

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

While both relate to unease, "a feeling of fear" often stems from an immediate threat, while anxiety is a more generalized and persistent state of worry. They are closely related but not interchangeable.