a multitude of fears

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a multitude of fears" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large number of fears or anxieties that someone may have. Example: "As she stood on the stage, she was overwhelmed by a multitude of fears, from forgetting her lines to being judged by the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

He thought about how such an event "would have changed the psychology of a witness over time," and how "experiencers" (as Dr. Mack called UFO witnesses) tend to talk about these phenomena with a multitude of emotions other than fear.

Vice

"The New Republic," he wrote in "Anticipations," would have no use for "a multitude of contemptible and silly creatures, fear-driven and helpless and useless, unhappy or hatefully happy in the midst of squalid dishonour, feeble, ugly, inefficient, born of unrestrained lusts, and increasing and multiplying through sheer incontinence and stupidity".

The New Yorker

Deutsche Bank also helped with a positive note on the UK banks: Market fears around a multitude of risk factors appear to have abated, which may prove premature.

The Guardian - Business

Some Republicans fear that a multitude of candidates could help Steele win a second term as chairman.

Huffington Post

For stock traders a multitude of other factors may come into play, ranging from technological innovation to terrorism fears.

Forbes

A multitude of things.

The New York Times - Sports

A multitude of characters.

The New York Times

#TrumpBible Love covers a multitude of sins.

The New Yorker

It served a multitude of purposes.

The New York Times

A multitude of questions and doubts arises.

The New York Times - Arts

There is a multitude of surviving documents.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a multitude of fears", ensure that the context clearly indicates the source or cause of these fears to provide a comprehensive understanding for the reader. For example, specify whether the fears relate to a specific event, a personal situation, or a broader societal issue.

Common error

Avoid using "a multitude of fears" in contexts where the fears are not clearly defined or are too vague. Always provide specific examples or descriptions of the fears to prevent the phrase from becoming a meaningless cliché. Instead of saying "He faced a multitude of fears", specify "He faced a multitude of fears, including the fear of failure and the fear of disappointing his family".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a multitude of fears" functions as a noun phrase, specifically serving as the object or complement in a sentence. It effectively denotes a large quantity of anxieties. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a multitude of fears" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a large number of anxieties. While relatively rare in occurrence, as indicated by Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. The phrase effectively emphasizes the extent to which someone is experiencing fear or worry. Ludwig's analysis confirms the phrase's validity and usability, noting its neutral register and grammatical soundness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a host of anxieties

This alternative uses "host" instead of "multitude", emphasizing a large number of anxieties.

a range of apprehensions

This alternative replaces "fears" with "apprehensions", offering a more formal and nuanced term for anxiety.

an array of worries

This alternative uses "array" to suggest a diverse collection of worries, slightly changing the focus from quantity to variety.

a sea of anxieties

This alternative employs the metaphor of a "sea" to depict the overwhelming nature of the anxieties.

a spectrum of worries

This alternative replaces "multitude" with "spectrum" suggesting that the worries vary in nature

a collection of terrors

This alternative substitutes "fears" with "terrors", highlighting a more intense and profound level of fear.

various anxieties

This alternative replaces "multitude" with "various" offering a direct and simple way to express the presence of multiple anxieties

many concerns

This alternative uses "concerns" as a more mild and general term than "fears"

numerous phobias

This alternative replaces "fears" with the term "phobias" offering a more specific term

several worries

This alternative replaces "multitude" with "several" and fears with worries offering a more simplistic option

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a multitude of fears" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a multitude of fears", ensure the context provides clarity on the nature and origin of those fears. Specify whether they stem from personal experiences, societal anxieties, or particular events. For example, "The entrepreneur faced "a multitude of fears" as she launched her startup, from market volatility to potential financial loss".

What are some alternatives to "a multitude of fears" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a host of anxieties", "an array of worries", or "a range of apprehensions" to convey a similar meaning while adding variety to your writing.

Is it grammatically correct to use "a multitude of fears" in formal writing?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and appropriate to use "a multitude of fears" in formal writing. The phrase is well-established and conveys a sense of numerous or overwhelming anxieties. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

How does "a multitude of fears" differ from "a few fears" or "some fears"?

"A multitude of fears" implies a significantly larger number and a greater intensity of anxieties compared to "a few fears" or "some fears". While the latter suggests a small or moderate number of concerns, ""a multitude of fears"" indicates an extensive and possibly overwhelming set of anxieties.