a sense of dread

USAGE SUMMARY

"a sense of dread" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe the feeling of intense worry or fear that something bad is going to happen. Example: As the storm clouds rolled in, Sarah couldn't help but feel a sense of dread wash over her. She knew that this was no ordinary storm and that danger was imminent.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But a sense of dread pervades them.

The New Yorker

Awaits with a sense of dread his expected letter.

The New Yorker

But it also lent a sense of dread.

The New York Times

A sense of dread is creeping over Philadelphia.

The New York Times

But it's all suffused with a sense of dread.

The Guardian

Yet behind all the activism lies a sense of dread.

The Guardian

Given his former associates, a sense of dread ensues.

The Guardian - Books

Everything about today fills me with a sense of dread.

The Guardian - Travel

Other passengers also felt a sense of dread as they noted the awkward approach.

The New York Times

They swell with sexual frustration, and drive a sense of dread right into your stomach.

The Guardian - Arts

For hours he had no news, and a sense of dread descended on him.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sense of dread" when you want to convey a feeling of impending doom or intense anxiety about a future event. This phrase is particularly effective in creating suspense or highlighting the emotional state of a character or a group of people.

Common error

Avoid using "a sense of dread" when a milder term like "unease" or "apprehension" is more appropriate. "Dread" implies a significant level of fear and anxiety; using it inappropriately can weaken your writing and misrepresent the intensity of the emotion you intend to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sense of dread" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes a feeling. For example, "A sense of dread is creeping over Philadelphia."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sense of dread" is a commonly used noun phrase that effectively conveys a feeling of intense fear or anxiety about a future event. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase maintains a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with the strong emotional weight it carries, differentiating it from milder terms like “unease” or “apprehension”. Consider the numerous alternatives like "a feeling of foreboding" or "a sense of apprehension" to appropriately match the intended intensity. Using "a sense of dread" accurately can significantly enhance the emotional impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sense of foreboding

Similar to foreboding, but "sense" implies a more intuitive feeling.

a feeling of foreboding

Focuses more on an impending, often negative, event or outcome.

a sense of apprehension

Implies a more general anxiety or worry about the future.

a feeling of unease

Suggests a milder discomfort or disquiet, lacking the intensity of dread.

a creeping sense of fear

Emphasizes the gradual and insidious nature of the fear.

a premonition of disaster

Strongly suggests an impending catastrophic event.

an overwhelming anxiety

Highlights the intense and uncontrollable nature of the anxiety.

a deep-seated anxiety

Indicates anxiety is foundational and difficult to remove.

a nagging worry

Suggests persistent and bothersome thoughts of concern.

a heavy heart

Implies sadness and burden, often related to anticipated negative events.

FAQs

How can I use "a sense of dread" in a sentence?

You can use "a sense of dread" to describe a feeling of intense fear or anxiety about something that might happen. For example: "As the deadline approached, "a sense of dread" washed over him."

What are some synonyms for "a sense of dread"?

Alternatives to "a sense of dread" include "a feeling of foreboding", "a sense of apprehension", or "a feeling of unease". Choose the synonym that best fits the context and the intensity of the emotion you want to express.

Is it better to say "a feeling of dread" or "a sense of dread"?

Both "a feeling of dread" and "a sense of dread" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to express. "Sense" might imply a more intuitive or less defined feeling than "feeling".

When is it inappropriate to use "a sense of dread"?

It's inappropriate to use "a sense of dread" when the situation involves mild discomfort or slight worry. This phrase is best reserved for situations involving serious anxiety, fear, or foreboding. Using it for trivial matters dilutes its impact.