a time of fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a time of fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period characterized by anxiety, dread, or uncertainty, often in a historical or personal context. Example: "During the war, it was a time of fear for many families who lost their loved ones."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

We live in a time of fear.

The Guardian

It was such a time of fear and disgust".

The New York Times

For many, it is a time of fear and distress.

The Guardian

How can a measure of social justice be guaranteed at a time of fear and impoverishment?

The Guardian

Won't happen; in a time of fear, civil liberty butters no political parsnips.

The New York Times

In India, for example, big Hindu festivals can be a time of fear for Muslims and Christians.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

"Chávez Ravine" plunges into a remembered 1950's: a time of fear-mongering over Communists and U.F.O.'s, of hard-bop jazz and Latin dance crazes and burgeoning rock 'n' roll, of overweening city planners, casual racism and close-knit neighborhoods.

The New York Times

The launch comes at a time of fears among some moderates that the Corbyn-aligned Momentum group will be a vehicle for a takeover of the party by the left, including deselections of MPs – a charge denied by its founders.

The Guardian

Certain officials, like Mr. Ruttgers, see political capital in an anti-immigrant message at a time of fears over global economic pressures; others, like Ms. Merkel, say that approach is counterproductive.

The New York Times

The BBC's Naomi Grimley in Washington says many on Capitol Hill feared a public backlash if the funding had been thrown into doubt at a time of fears about "lone wolf" terrorists.

BBC

He was quite without fear and, now that we are in a time of immense fear, it is particularly sad that we won't have him any more.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a time of fear" to vividly depict historical periods, personal experiences, or fictional scenarios marked by widespread anxiety and apprehension. Ensure the context clearly establishes the source and nature of the fear being described.

Common error

Avoid using "a time of fear" as a generic descriptor without providing specific details about the causes, consequences, or impact of the fear. Vague references can weaken the narrative and fail to resonate with the audience. Instead, provide concrete examples and sensory details to make the experience more palpable.

Linguistic Context

"A time of fear" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an adverbial modifier to describe the circumstances or conditions prevalent during a particular period. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a time of fear" effectively captures periods marked by widespread anxiety and apprehension. Grammatically sound and commonly used, as validated by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "an age of anxiety" or "a period of insecurity" offer subtle variations, the core message remains consistent. When using this phrase, ensure to provide specific details to avoid vagueness and strengthen the narrative. In essence, "a time of fear" is a potent tool for describing moments of collective unease, provided it is wielded with precision and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an age of anxiety

Focuses more on widespread anxiety as a defining characteristic.

a period of insecurity

Emphasizes the lack of stability and safety during the time.

a climate of terror

Highlights the oppressive and frightening atmosphere.

an era of apprehension

Conveys a sense of unease and anticipation of negative events.

a season of worry

Uses a metaphorical seasonal term to describe a time filled with concern.

a moment of dread

Refers to a specific instance characterized by intense fear.

a phase of alarm

Suggests a temporary period marked by heightened awareness of danger.

a chapter of trepidation

Implies a distinct segment of time defined by anxiety and uncertainty.

a spell of disquiet

Describes a period of disturbance and unease.

a history of paranoia

Describes a time period when people were very afraid.

FAQs

How can I use "a time of fear" in a sentence?

You can use "a time of fear" to describe periods marked by anxiety or uncertainty. For instance, "The war years were "a time of fear" for many families".

What are some alternatives to "a time of fear"?

Alternatives include "an age of anxiety", "a period of insecurity", or "a climate of terror", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "in a time of fear" or "during a time of fear"?

Both "in a time of fear" and "during a time of fear" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the flow of the sentence.

What's the difference between "a time of fear" and "a time of uncertainty"?

"A time of fear" specifically highlights anxiety and apprehension, while "a time of uncertainty" emphasizes a lack of clarity or predictability about the future. Fear often arises from uncertainty, but the focus differs.