a growing fear of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a growing fear of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an increasing sense of anxiety or apprehension about a particular subject or situation. Example: "There is a growing fear of climate change among the younger generation, prompting them to advocate for more sustainable practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Another is a growing fear of higher interest rates.

Independent

There is a growing fear of the future.

The Guardian - Opinion

The persistent struggles of enslaved Africans and a growing fear of slave uprisings among plantation owners were another major factor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the aftermath of the 2003 invasion, there has been a growing fear of the "feminisation" of Iraqi men.

The Economist

Many protesters were reluctant to give their full names, citing what they described as a growing fear of political repression.

The New York Times

A growing fear of crime, which many French citizens blame on immigrants, also increased Mr. Le Pen's support.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

I also heard a lot about their growing fear of cis people becoming too comfortable in queer spaces, a concept I'd never really taken the time to think about.

Vice

A downturning economy and growing fear of AIDS may have also contributed -- but who can chart the vagaries of fragrance fashion?

The New York Times - Magazine

Despite a surface sense of normality in the capital, there is growing fear of an economic crash, as oil revenue plummets and foreign aid dries up.

Los Angeles Times

With the general economic regression, competition from new places opening on every corner and the growing fear of a catastrophic dining slump in this restaurant metropolis, many of the once confident culinary establishments are now the ones doing the pleading.

The New York Times - Food

Read the rest of MIchael Byrecentlytalkedw over atoMotherboard.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a growing fear of", ensure that the subject of the fear is clearly defined and relevant to the context. Specificity enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity. For example, "a growing fear of economic instability" is more effective than a general "a growing fear."

Common error

Avoid using "a growing fear of" without specifying the object of fear. This can lead to vagueness and weaken the impact of your statement. Always clarify what is causing the increasing apprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a growing fear of" functions as a noun phrase that expresses an escalating sense of anxiety or apprehension. As Ludwig AI points out, it correctly describes an increasing emotion or worry. This usage is common in various contexts, indicating its grammatical acceptability and functional versatility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a growing fear of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that effectively conveys an increasing sense of anxiety or apprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English and can describe escalating anxiety about a particular subject or situation. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure you clearly define the subject of the fear to avoid vagueness and enhance the impact of your message. Alternatives such as "an increasing dread of" or "a mounting anxiety about" can be considered for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an increasing dread of

Replaces "fear" with "dread" to intensify the feeling of apprehension.

a mounting anxiety about

Substitutes "fear" with "anxiety" and "growing" with "mounting" to convey escalating worry.

a burgeoning apprehension regarding

Replaces "growing" with "burgeoning" and "fear" with "apprehension", using more formal vocabulary.

an escalating concern over

Changes "fear" to "concern" to soften the emotional intensity while maintaining the sense of increasing worry.

a heightened unease about

Replaces "fear" with "unease" to indicate a more subtle but intensifying sense of discomfort.

a swell of worry concerning

Uses "swell" to emphasize the increasing nature of "worry", offering a more figurative expression.

a rising tide of alarm regarding

Employs "rising tide" to convey an escalating sense of alarm, suggesting widespread concern.

a developing sense of foreboding about

Introduces "foreboding" to imply a feeling that something bad is going to happen, adding a sense of impending doom.

a spreading sense of disquiet over

Substitutes "fear" with "disquiet" to denote a growing disturbance or anxiety.

an expanding nervousness about

Replaces "fear" with "nervousness" to convey a more personal and psychological apprehension.

FAQs

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

You can use "a growing fear of" to express an increasing sense of anxiety or apprehension about a particular situation. For example, "There is "a growing fear of job losses" due to the economic downturn".

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

Alternatives include "an increasing concern about", "a rising anxiety regarding", or "a mounting apprehension about" depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is widely used in various contexts.

What's the difference between "a growing fear of" and "a growing concern about"?

While both phrases express worry about something, "a growing fear of" implies a stronger emotional response, suggesting a higher level of anxiety or dread. "A growing concern about" is generally a milder expression of worry.