a reasonable fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a fear that is justified or based on logical reasoning, often in legal or psychological contexts. Example: "The defendant claimed that he acted in self-defense because he had a reasonable fear for his safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a reasonable fear.

The New York Times

That is a reasonable fear.

The New Yorker

It requires a reasonable fear of bodily harm".

The New York Times

This, it turns out, was a reasonable fear.

The Guardian - Opinion

Based on a reasonable fear, did the officers have to use deadly force?

The Guardian

What Iran would do with a bomb is a reasonable fear, but the reaction of Arab states is another matter of concern.

The New York Times

They have a reasonable fear of government monitoring of sensitive conversations, based on the law's vacuum-cleaner approach to surveillance and the identities and locations of their contacts.

The New York Times

But above all, Mr. O'Mara emphasized to jurors that a claim of self-defense does not require any injuries, only a reasonable fear of great bodily harm.

The New York Times

The laws allow someone with a reasonable fear of great bodily harm or death to use lethal force, even if retreating from danger is an option.

The New York Times

That was a reasonable fear back in 1880, when, 13 years after America bought Alaska from Russia, a census found only 435 frostbitten non-native residents.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

That is a reasonable fear up to half of American households own a gun.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing emotional responses, be mindful that describing a fear as "a reasonable fear" can either validate or minimize the emotion depending on the context. Consider the potential impact on your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a reasonable fear" to justify disproportionate reactions or actions. Ensure the response aligns with the actual level of threat perceived.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable fear" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'reasonable' modifies the noun 'fear'. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound. It often appears in legal and journalistic contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reasonable fear" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a justified apprehension. Ludwig's analysis indicates its frequent appearance in news and media, as well as formal business contexts. It's important to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring that the fear described aligns with the specific circumstances. Be aware of alternative phrases, such as "a justified fear" or "a well-founded fear", to convey subtle differences in meaning. Also, remember that while the phrase is generally neutral, careful consideration is needed to avoid overstating the reasonableness of the fear or justifying disproportionate responses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a justified fear

Replaces 'reasonable' with 'justified', emphasizing the legitimacy of the fear.

a well-founded fear

Highlights that the fear has a solid basis or foundation.

a legitimate fear

Suggests the fear is valid and acceptable.

a rational fear

Indicates the fear is based on reason and logic.

a valid concern

Shifts the focus slightly from fear to a broader worry or concern.

a plausible apprehension

Uses more formal language to convey a believable sense of unease.

an understandable worry

Emphasizes the comprehensibility of the worry.

a credible threat assessment

Frames the fear as a formal evaluation of a potential threat.

a realistic expectation of danger

Focuses on the realistic possibility of encountering danger.

a grounded anxiety

Emphasizes that the anxiety is firmly based in reality.

FAQs

How is "a reasonable fear" typically used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "a reasonable fear" often refers to the level of apprehension that a person must experience to justify actions taken in self-defense or to qualify for asylum. It implies the fear is based on objective facts and circumstances, not merely subjective feelings.

What are some alternatives to using "a reasonable fear" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "a justified fear", "a well-founded fear", or "a legitimate fear" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is more appropriate: "a reasonable fear" or "a rational fear"?

Both "a reasonable fear" and "a rational fear" can be appropriate. "Reasonable" suggests the fear is justifiable based on the circumstances, while "rational" implies the fear is logical and based on sound reasoning. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What distinguishes "a reasonable fear" from a general anxiety?

"A reasonable fear" typically arises from a specific, identifiable threat or set of circumstances that could logically lead to harm. General anxiety, on the other hand, may not be tied to a particular situation and can be more diffuse or pervasive.