atmosphere of fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "atmosphere of fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a feeling of dread or anxiety that is pervasive in a particular environment. For example, "With the election looming, people feel an atmosphere of fear as they worry about the future of the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We lived in an atmosphere of fear and repression.

The New York Times

"There was the atmosphere of fear in the country".

The New York Times

"You should never forget the atmosphere of fear, or tribalism.

The New York Times - Arts

Wallace created an atmosphere of fear, hatred and divisiveness.

The New York Times - Sports

An atmosphere of fear developed-the streets emptied at night.

The New Yorker

The recent bombings and kidnaps create an atmosphere of fear.

The Guardian

Political freedom cannot survive in an atmosphere of fear.

The Guardian - Opinion

And the oppressive atmosphere of fear has made concentrating on even routine tasks difficult.

The New York Times

But the heightened atmosphere of fear has led many people to consider other possibilities seriously.

The Economist

"This is an attempt to destabilize and to generate an atmosphere of fear and chaos".

The New York Times

The control apparatus is built on uncertainty and self-censorship, on creating this atmosphere of fear".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of specific events, use "atmosphere of fear" to highlight how those events contribute to a pervasive sense of unease and anxiety. For instance, "The recent bombings created an 'atmosphere of fear', affecting daily life".

Common error

Avoid using "atmosphere of fear" as a general descriptor without providing specific details about what is causing or contributing to the fear. Always ensure that the context clearly explains the source and impact of the fear being described.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "atmosphere of fear" functions primarily as a noun phrase, describing a prevailing emotional state within a specific environment. It identifies a situation characterized by widespread anxiety and dread. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "atmosphere of fear" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a situation where a pervasive feeling of anxiety and dread exists. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to convey the presence of this shared emotional state, often within a specific environment. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase serves to highlight the emotional impact of events or conditions on a group of people. While alternatives like "climate of fear" or "air of apprehension" exist, "atmosphere of fear" remains a direct and widely recognized way to express this concept. To ensure effective use, it is important to provide specific context, clarifying the source and impact of the fear being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

climate of fear

Replaces "atmosphere" with "climate", suggesting a more prolonged and pervasive sense of fear.

environment of fear

Substitutes "atmosphere" with "environment", offering a slightly different spatial metaphor.

culture of fear

Shifts the focus to an established set of beliefs and practices where fear is a driving force.

air of apprehension

Uses "air" instead of "atmosphere", and "apprehension" instead of "fear", softening the intensity slightly.

sense of dread

Focuses on the feeling of impending doom or intense aversion.

prevailing fear

Highlights the widespread presence of fear in a given situation.

feeling of intimidation

Emphasizes the act of making someone afraid or timid, changing the focus from the overall feeling to the act that causes it.

reign of terror

Implies an active and often violent imposition of fear by a governing power.

shadow of anxiety

Uses "shadow" as a metaphor for the looming presence of anxiety, which is related to fear.

unease in the air

Describes a general feeling of discomfort and anxiety, less intense than outright fear.

FAQs

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

You can use "atmosphere of fear" to describe situations where there is a pervasive feeling of dread or anxiety. For instance, "The political instability created an 'atmosphere of fear' among the citizens".

What are some alternatives to "atmosphere of fear"?

You can use alternatives like "climate of fear", "culture of fear", or "air of apprehension" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a climate of fear" instead of "atmosphere of fear"?

Yes, "climate of fear" is a valid and often interchangeable alternative to "atmosphere of fear". The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What contributes to an "atmosphere of fear"?

An "atmosphere of fear" can be caused by various factors, including political instability, violence, economic uncertainty, or social unrest. These elements create a sense of unease and anxiety among individuals.