a shadow of fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a shadow of fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lingering or subtle presence of fear that affects someone or something. Example: "As she walked through the dark alley, she felt a shadow of fear creeping over her, making her heart race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But the word itself casts a shadow of fear.

The Guardian - Opinion

And it casts a shadow of fear well beyond, to America's middle classes who worry about losing not just their jobs but also their health-care benefits.

The Economist

"I ask the Lord to sustain all men of good will to courageously roll up their sleeves to confront the plague of terrorism and this stain of blood that is covering the world with a shadow of fear and a sense of loss," he said.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The life-affirming baby boom cast a shadow of justifiable fear.

Huffington Post

The 2015 holiday season mixed a sense of celebration with a looming shadow of fear, not to mention all the usual anxieties around family, travel, resolutions, etc.

Huffington Post

It casts a long shadow of fear over growing old, becoming a burden or being abandoned in undignified care.

The Guardian - Opinion

That, too, was a shadow of their worst fears.

The New York Times

I saw a shadow of something, sadness or fear.

Vice

As the Copa América Centenario kicks off this weekend and the Rio Olympics loom this summer, Brazil's national team is, in many ways, a shadow of its famous past, fearful rather than feared.

The New York Times - Sports

"Every day without reform is a day when 12 million hard-working immigrants must live in the shadow of fear," said Representative Nydia M. Velázquez, a Democrat from New York who is the chairwoman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

The New York Times

Also departing after the completion of "Shadow of Fear" was the voice of Captain Grey, Paul Maxwell, a Canadian actor who had voiced the character of Steve Zodiac three years earlier in Fireball XL5.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a shadow of fear" to describe a situation where fear is not overtly stated but subtly influences decisions, behaviors, or overall atmosphere. This suggests a more nuanced and pervasive impact than simply stating that people are afraid.

Common error

Avoid using "a shadow of fear" when the situation clearly involves overt and intense fear. The phrase is best suited for describing subtle or underlying anxieties, not outright panic or terror.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shadow of fear" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb (e.g., "cast a shadow") or following a preposition. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a shadow of fear" is a phrase used to describe a subtle but pervasive sense of anxiety or apprehension. Ludwig confirms that this expression is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in a variety of contexts, especially in news reporting, formal writing, and analytical pieces. It's essential to use it when describing subtle influences rather than overt displays of fear. Alternatives like "a climate of fear" or "a sense of dread" can be used for slightly different nuances. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources, indicating its suitability for discussing broader societal or political anxieties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a climate of fear

Focuses on the overall atmosphere being dominated by fear, rather than the fear being a subtle influence.

a sense of dread

Emphasizes the feeling of impending doom or anxiety.

an atmosphere of anxiety

Highlights the general anxious feeling present.

a lingering fear

Stresses the persistence and lasting impact of the fear.

an undercurrent of anxiety

Suggests a subtle, underlying feeling of worry.

a veil of apprehension

Implies that something is concealed by a feeling of unease.

a pervasive anxiety

Emphasizes the widespread and all-encompassing nature of the anxiety.

a hint of trepidation

Conveys a slight feeling of fear or nervousness about something that might happen.

an air of unease

Describes the general feeling of discomfort and anxiety in a particular situation.

a cloud of uncertainty

Focuses on the uncertain nature of the future, causing worry.

FAQs

How can "a shadow of fear" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a shadow of fear" to describe a lingering sense of anxiety affecting a community or individual. For example, "The terrorist attacks cast "a shadow of fear" over the entire nation".

What is a similar expression to "a shadow of fear"?

Alternatives to "a shadow of fear" include "a climate of fear", which emphasizes the overall feeling, and "a sense of dread", which highlights the anticipation of something terrible happening.

How does "a shadow of fear" differ from "outright fear"?

"A shadow of fear" implies a subtle and pervasive anxiety, while "outright fear" suggests a more direct and intense emotion. The former affects actions and decisions subtly, while the latter can cause immediate panic or paralysis.

Is "a shadow of fear" formal or informal?

"A shadow of fear" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in news reporting and analytical writing, as seen in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.