as I feared

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'as I feared' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to express a feeling of anxiety or worry about a certain situation. For example, "As I feared, the exam was much more difficult than I expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Just as I feared.

The New York Times - Travel

It is as I feared.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

FEBRUARY 5. A pimple, as I feared.

The New Yorker

"Just as I feared from the start".

The Guardian - Books

It was exactly as I feared: they appeared absolutely fine.

The Guardian - Tech

"Mice - just as I feared," said the official.

The New Yorker

Being asked to pretend I wasn't as stupid as I feared made perfect sense.

The New York Times

They're surprisingly subtle, not as sweet as I feared, after all that sugar and honey.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

As, I fear, we all may learn.

The Economist

It is, as I fear you know only too well, a complex business.

The Guardian

"Please withhold my name in the paper as I fear retaliation from the dark side.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as I feared", ensure that the subsequent clause clearly explains the negative outcome or situation that was previously anticipated. For example, "As I feared, the project deadline was moved forward."

Common error

Avoid using "as I feared" excessively in formal or professional writing where a more objective or factual tone is preferred. Alternatives like "it was anticipated" or "the results indicated" may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as I feared" functions as an introductory conjunction, connecting a prior apprehension to its subsequent realization. It sets the stage for a statement confirming a previously held worry. This is consistent with Ludwig AI's assessment that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as I feared" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to introduce a statement confirming a prior worry or apprehension. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While predominantly found in news and media, it can also appear in informal settings. When writing, exercise caution in formal contexts, opting for more objective alternatives when necessary. Related phrases such as "just as I anticipated" or "my fears were confirmed" can provide subtle shifts in emphasis. Finally, being mindful of register and context will ensure effective and appropriate usage of this common expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just as I anticipated

Emphasizes anticipation rather than fear, but conveys the same outcome.

as I had foreseen

Focuses on foresight, implying a clear prediction of the negative outcome.

as I had dreaded

Highlights the feeling of dread associated with the expected outcome.

it happened as I thought it would

More descriptive, less focused on emotion, simply stating the expected outcome occurred.

my fears were confirmed

Directly states the confirmation of fears, a more declarative tone.

the worst came to pass

A more dramatic way of saying the feared event occurred.

as I had imagined

Similar to 'anticipated' but with a sense of visualization of the feared event.

it turned out as I expected

Neutral tone, simply stating the outcome was as expected, lacking the emotional weight.

the outcome I dreaded materialized

Formal and emphasizes the realization of a dreaded outcome.

my concerns were validated

Focuses on the validation of concerns rather than fear, slightly less emotional.

FAQs

How can I use "as I feared" in a sentence?

Use "as I feared" to introduce a clause that confirms a prior worry or negative expectation. For example, "As I feared, the meeting ran over time."

What are some alternatives to "as I feared"?

Alternatives include "just as I anticipated", "as I had foreseen", or "my fears were confirmed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "as I feared" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "as I feared" may be more suitable for informal or narrative contexts. In formal writing, consider more objective alternatives like "it was anticipated" or "the results indicated."

What's the difference between "as I feared" and "as I expected"?

"As I feared" implies a negative expectation and a sense of worry, while "as I expected" simply means the outcome was in line with what was predicted, without necessarily implying a negative emotion. "As I feared" carries an additional emotional weight.