a sudden fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sudden fear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an unexpected feeling of fear that arises quickly in a particular situation. Example: "As she walked through the dark alley, a sudden fear gripped her, making her heart race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

A sudden fear enters my body.

The New Yorker

He unscrews the lid partially, caught by a sudden fear.

The New Yorker

The wind up here was strong, and she had a sudden fear of falling through the spaces between the tracks after all.

The New Yorker

Just hearing the first few bars of the lilting theme tune of BBC drama All Creatures Great and Small is enough to take me back to cosy Sunday nights and a sudden fear that I haven't done my homework.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They rode a train to West Berlin, & at the last station in East Germany, he had a sudden fear th that the guard who was checking their passports would notice the green tones in his son's hair & pull him off the train & find pot in his bag.

The New Yorker

She was 63 and lived in Potomac, Md. Ms. Ross was a 25-year-old teacher on vacation in Salzburg, Austria, when she was struck by a sudden fear of heights -- a fear that would, in time, make her a public figure.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

This happens to him several times a day, this sudden fear that symptoms are presenting.

The New Yorker

A war later, that master of gothic fantasy Mervyn Peake saw bombed London morph into the form a woman, wracked and twisted by her wounds and yet towering above "a world of sudden fear and firelight", broken but unbowed.

The Guardian - Books

Its title evokes such best-sellers as "The Girl on the Train" and "The Woman in Cabin 10," not to mention "Gone Girl" (in which the titular girl is the contriver of the mystery), while its frame of reference involves classic American noir films: "Gaslight," "Vertigo," "Strangers on a Train," "Wait Until Dark," "Sudden Fear," "Rope," and, most explicitly, "Rear Window".

The New Yorker

While staying at the Cassady home, one night Kerouac wandered out into the Russian Hill neighborhood and came upon the filming of a Joan Crawford movie, Sudden Fear.

Huffington Post

I'll scream!" Filled with a sudden, instinctual fear, I let out a sharp scream.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sudden fear" to depict an immediate, unexpected feeling of fear, rather than a prolonged state of anxiety. This emphasizes the spontaneity of the emotion.

Common error

Avoid using "a sudden fear" to describe persistent anxiety or phobias. The phrase is better suited for describing a fleeting, unexpected moment of fear, not an ongoing condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sudden fear" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an immediate and unexpected onset of fear. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase effectively conveys the intensity of a fleeting moment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sudden fear" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that effectively conveys an immediate and unexpected onset of fear. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and appears most frequently in news and media contexts. While it is not overly common, its clear and descriptive nature makes it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately depicts an immediate, fleeting emotion rather than a chronic condition. Alternatives such as "an unexpected fright" or "a surge of panic" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unexpected fright

Focuses more on the startling nature of the fear.

a surge of panic

Implies a more intense and overwhelming feeling of fear.

a wave of dread

Suggests a gradual and pervasive feeling of impending doom.

a flash of terror

Highlights the instantaneous and intense nature of the fear.

a mounting anxiety

Describes a fear that builds up over time.

a bolt of apprehension

Emphasizes the sudden and shocking nature of the fear.

a growing unease

Indicates a gradual increase in discomfort and worry.

a tremor of anxiety

Focuses on the physical manifestation of fear as a trembling sensation.

a chilling realization

Implies that the fear stems from understanding something unsettling.

a creeping horror

Suggests a fear that slowly and insidiously takes hold.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a sudden fear" in a sentence?

Use "a sudden fear" to describe an immediate, unexpected feeling of fear. For example, "As the door creaked open, "a sudden fear" gripped her heart."

What are some alternatives to "a sudden fear"?

You can use alternatives like "an unexpected fright", "a surge of panic", or "a wave of dread" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative highlights a different aspect of the immediate fear response.

When is it more appropriate to use "anxiety" instead of "a sudden fear"?

Use "anxiety" when referring to a general state of worry or unease, especially if it's prolonged. "A sudden fear" is best used for specific, unexpected instances of feeling fear.

Is "a sudden fear" the same as "a panic attack"?

"A sudden fear" can be a component of a panic attack, but a panic attack involves a range of intense physical and emotional symptoms beyond just fear. "A surge of panic" could be used as a more accurate synonym.