being in fear of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being in fear of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a state of experiencing fear or anxiety about something or someone. Example: "She was being in fear of the dark after watching a scary movie."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Many deputies have confessed privately to being in fear of confronting constituents.

The Guardian

The man was not identified but was described as being in fear of his life.

The New York Times

The fact that Siri himself always denied the claims was explained away, as these things often are, by his being in fear of his life.

The Guardian - Books

"He's not only the birth of gangsta rap, but he's the birth of a whole legacy of being able to say what you want to say on a record and not being in fear of what others may think and not offending your own art and your own reflection".

The Guardian - Music

"We advocate that people who sell sex should have the full support of the law and equal treatment so we can work without being in fear of the police while knowing we can call the police if people commit crimes against us," she said.

BBC

"Paranoid" is a hip hop song that lyrically describes being in fear of getting caught cheating.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

I was in fear of my life".

Independent

He was in fear of his life".

The New York Times

"No one here is in fear of David.

The New York Times

How many more are in fear of their lives?

The Guardian - Opinion

I was in fear of him finding me".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "being in fear of". It often implies a significant and ongoing state of anxiety. For lighter situations, simpler terms like "afraid of" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "being in fear of" when a simpler phrase like "afraid of" or "worried about" suffices. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly dramatic or unnatural in everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being in fear of" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the state of a subject. It indicates the subject is experiencing fear or anxiety concerning something or someone. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "being in fear of" is a grammatically correct way to describe a state of apprehension or anxiety. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals it's most frequently found in news and media contexts. While "being in fear of" is valid, consider simpler alternatives like "afraid of" for less intense situations. Remember that context is important when you employ this phrase to avoid sounding melodramatic. Always aim for precision and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

afraid of

A more common and direct way to express fear.

living in fear of

Emphasizes a constant state of fear.

frightened of

Similar to "afraid of" but often implies a more sudden or intense fear.

terrified of

A stronger term indicating extreme fear.

apprehensive about

Suggests anxiety or worry about a future event or situation.

anxious about

Similar to "apprehensive about", emphasizing a state of nervousness and unease.

concerned about

Indicates worry or unease about a situation or potential outcome.

worried about

Expresses a state of unease and anxiety, often about something specific.

dreading

Implies anticipating something with great fear or reluctance.

feeling threatened by

Highlights the perception of a potential danger or harm.

FAQs

What does "being in fear of" mean?

The phrase "being in fear of" means experiencing a state of apprehension, anxiety, or dread regarding someone or something. It suggests a significant level of concern about potential harm or negative consequences.

What can I say instead of "being in fear of"?

You can use alternatives like "afraid of", "worried about", or "apprehensive about", depending on the context and the intensity of the fear.

When is it appropriate to use "being in fear of"?

It is most appropriate when describing a significant and ongoing state of fear, especially concerning potential threats to safety or well-being. Lighter situations may call for simpler alternatives.

Is "being in fear of" the same as "afraid of"?

While similar, "being in fear of" often implies a more persistent and intense state of anxiety compared to the more general term "afraid of". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.