based on fear of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "based on fear of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, decision, or action that is influenced or motivated by fear of something specific. Example: "The policy was implemented based on fear of potential economic instability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

These were panicky decisions based on fear of outrage.

The Guardian

It is based on fear of change and on racism.

The Economist

And new insecurities arise based on fear of losing what you have.

The Guardian

And so hostility towards fracking is based on fear of the unknown, not science.

The Guardian

Most are seeking asylum based on fear of torture or persecution in their home countries.

The Guardian

NATO's unity and role in this century cannot, in our view, be based on fear of Russia.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Paramount among these expectations may be an assumption that another HIV-positive person will share the burden of stigma, will not reject one based on fears of disease, and will likely be a reliable source of continued support.

AIDS and Behavior

But although climate rhetoric has been based on fears of high sensitivity, climate policy has not been.

The Economist

A Televisa spokesman says it would be unjust to block the deal based on fears of a crime that has not taken place.

The Economist

A former resident of the warehouse, who asked for anonymity because of past confrontations with the building's management, told the Guardian she reported the building to the fire marshal in 2014, based on fears of a fire.

The Guardian

Some experts at the meeting argued that any efforts to restrict vaccination, based on fears of a shortage, inevitably confuse the public, discourage people from being immunized and result in vaccine going to waste.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "based on fear of", ensure the context clearly identifies what the fear is and its impact on the decision or action being described.

Common error

Avoid using "based on fear of" in vague contexts. Always specify what the fear pertains to. For example, instead of saying "The decision was based on fear", specify "The decision was based on fear of economic downturn".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "based on fear of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating the underlying reason or motivation for an action, decision, or belief. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Huffington Post

13%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "based on fear of" is a prepositional phrase used to describe actions, decisions, or policies that are motivated by fear. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently encountered in various writing styles, particularly within News & Media and Scientific contexts. Although the phrase has a neutral register, it's crucial to specify the exact source of the fear to maintain clarity and avoid overgeneralizations. Alternatives such as "stemming from apprehension about" or "motivated by the dread of" can provide more nuanced expression, but the core meaning remains consistent: fear is the foundational driver.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stemming from apprehension about

Changes the structure and vocabulary to focus on the origin of the action or decision in apprehension.

motivated by the dread of

Emphasizes the motivating force as dread, intensifying the negative emotion.

driven by anxieties regarding

Highlights the anxieties that are causing a certain action.

prompted by worry over

Replaces "fear" with "worry", suggesting a less intense but still concerning motivation.

born out of a concern for

Indicates that the action originated from a basic concern.

inspired by the prospect of

Uses "prospect" to talk about a slightly distant possibility and change the cause to inspire.

out of alarm for

Substitutes "fear" with "alarm", conveying a sense of urgent concern.

founded on trepidation about

Uses "trepidation" instead of "fear", indicating a more formal and nuanced sense of anxiety.

resulting from unease about

Highlights the element of unease in the reason.

with considerations for

Changes the main cause to be considerations instead of feelings.

FAQs

How can I use "based on fear of" in a sentence?

You can use "based on fear of" to explain the motivation behind a decision or action. For example: "The new policy is "based on fear of" increased crime rates".

What are some alternatives to "based on fear of"?

Some alternatives include "motivated by the dread of", "driven by anxieties regarding", or "stemming from apprehension about". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "because of fear" or "based on fear of"?

"Because of fear" is a more direct causal statement, while "based on fear of" suggests that fear was a key factor in a more complex decision-making process. The better choice depends on whether fear was the sole cause or one of several influencing factors.

How does "based on fear of" differ from "fueled by fear of"?

"Based on fear of" implies that fear was a foundation for a decision or action. "Fueled by fear of", on the other hand, suggests that fear is actively intensifying or driving something forward. The latter emphasizes a more dynamic and escalating influence of fear.