cause fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause fear" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
For example, you might write a sentence such as, "The wild animal's loud roar caused fear among the villagers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But wade in with gas and you're going to scatter people, and cause fear and resentment".

The Guardian

They cause fear and prolonged suffering in victims, and cripple some survivors.

The New Yorker

Seeing a man's penis was felt to be enough to cause fear and alarm".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It was intended to cause fear and to terrorize a population".

The New York Times

Make allies of them before it is too late.Such sweeping changes may cause fear.

The Economist

She was convicted of affray and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear.

Independent

It was intended, it seems to us, to cause fear and it must have caused fear.

Independent

"It seems like a tactic that is designed to cause fear, intimidate and make some sort of political point".

The Guardian

Yet at least briefly, when they first appeared, the pictures did what they were meant to do: cause fear.

The New York Times - Arts

Officers charged Cawston with two counts of possession of an air weapon with intent to cause fear or violence.

The Guardian

They were also charged with conspiring to use "radioactive materials, toxic gases, chemicals and explosives" to cause fear, panic and disruption against unspecified targets.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause fear", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "Instill fear" suggests a gradual process, while "spark fear" implies a sudden reaction.

Common error

While grammatically correct, repeatedly using "cause fear" can sound repetitive, especially in formal writing. Opt for synonyms like "generate fear" or "instill fear" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause fear" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of instigating or producing fear. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. The phrase connects an action or event with the emotional outcome of fear. Examples illustrate its usage in describing situations that generate feelings of fear.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cause fear" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe the act of instigating or producing fear. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent occurrence in various contexts, including News & Media and Science. While suitable for general use, consider synonyms like "generate fear" or "instill fear" for more formal writing. When using the expression, be mindful of the specific nuance you wish to convey, as different synonyms emphasize different aspects of causing fear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generate fear

Substitutes "cause" with "generate", focusing on the creation or production of fear.

provoke fear

Replaces "cause" with "provoke", suggesting that something incites or stimulates fear.

instill fear

Replaces "cause" with "instill", emphasizing a gradual or deliberate implantation of fear.

elicit fear

Employs "elicit" in place of "cause", indicating that something draws out or evokes fear as a response.

spark fear

Uses "spark" instead of "cause", implying a sudden or abrupt onset of fear.

create apprehension

Replaces "fear" with "apprehension", softening the intensity of the emotion.

arouse anxiety

Substitutes "fear" with "anxiety", focusing on a sense of unease or worry.

inspire dread

Replaces "fear" with "dread", conveying a deeper and more intense sense of fear.

foster trepidation

Replaces "cause" with "foster" and "fear" with "trepidation", creating a more formal and nuanced expression.

spread panic

Focuses on the widespread dissemination of fear to many people.

FAQs

How can I use "cause fear" in a sentence?

You can use "cause fear" to describe actions or events that provoke a sense of fear. For example, "The sudden blackout caused fear among the residents" or "His threatening behavior caused fear in his neighbors."

What is a more formal way to say "cause fear"?

In formal contexts, you might prefer alternatives like "generate fear", "instill fear", or "provoke fear". These options often sound more sophisticated and precise.

Which is correct: "cause fear" or "causing fear"?

"Cause fear" is the base verb form, while "causing fear" is the present participle. Both are grammatically correct but used in different contexts. "Cause fear" is used as a general statement, while "causing fear" describes an ongoing action: "The incident is causing fear in the community."

What's the difference between "cause fear" and "cause anxiety"?

"Cause fear" implies a more immediate and intense reaction, while "cause anxiety" suggests a more prolonged state of worry or unease. Fear is often associated with a specific threat, whereas anxiety can be a more generalized response.