cause terror

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause terror" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of instilling fear or terror in someone or a group of people. Here is an example: "The dictator's brutal regime caused terror among the citizens, who lived in constant fear of being punished for speaking out against the government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"You can cause terror from right within.

The Guardian

He said: "Their intention was to cause terror and economic harm and disruption.

Independent

To "cause terror," the arrested leader, who is twenty-seven, said.

The New Yorker

The material (as distinct from the information) needed to cause terror by chemical or biological means is a different matter.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Insurgents have also used mortars against concentrations of civilians and civic leaders to cause terror and political instability.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They respond to rowdy students in the only way they understand: with extreme violence designed to cause terror.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Every heinous act that causes terror is not necessarily terrorism.

Los Angeles Times

If causing terror is the main objective of terrorism, we should measure fear and terror, and other social impacts of counter-terrorism policies (i.e. loss of civil liberties).

European Journal of Futures Research

The 10 package bombs mailed or delivered this week have succeeded in causing terror, but we shouldn't call them terrorism, at least not yet.

Los Angeles Times

Sending people even ineffective bombs meets the definition of heinous, but we must wait for facts and evidence to conclusively determine whether this was indeed terrorism or just an event that caused terror.

Los Angeles Times

And then there are two, causing terror.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cause terror" when you want to emphasize the action of instilling intense fear or dread in a specific context. Ensure your writing clearly conveys the intent and impact of this action.

Common error

Avoid using "cause terror" in situations where the fear is mild or exaggerated. The phrase implies a significant and profound level of fear, so use it judiciously to maintain credibility and impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cause terror" is a verb phrase, where "cause" acts as a transitive verb and "terror" as its direct object. It describes the act of instigating or producing a state of extreme fear. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “cause terror” is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes the action of instilling intense fear or dread. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness. It is frequently used in contexts such as News & Media, Academia, and Science, with a neutral to formal register. While it's appropriate for describing serious and impactful events, it should be used judiciously to avoid sensationalism. Related phrases include “arouse terror”, “inflict terror”, and “spread terror”, each with slight nuances. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase in situations where the fear is mild, ensuring its impact and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arouse terror

Focuses on the act of evoking terror, emphasizing the emotional response.

inflict terror

Highlights the act of imposing terror, often suggesting a deliberate action.

spread terror

Emphasizes the diffusion of terror across a wider area or population.

instill terror

Highlights the planting of terror in someone's mind or heart.

trigger terror

Focuses on the act of initiating terror, often unintentionally.

generate terror

Highlights the act of creating a feeling of terror.

provoke terror

Emphasizes inciting a feeling of terror, perhaps as a reaction.

spark terror

Focuses on initiating a sudden and intense feeling of terror.

create panic

Shifts the focus slightly to widespread panic, which can be related to terror.

sow fear

Emphasizes the act of spreading fear, a key component of terror.

FAQs

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

You can use "cause terror" to describe actions or events that create widespread fear and dread, such as "The bombings caused terror among the city's residents."

What are some alternatives to "cause terror"?

Alternatives include "arouse terror", "inflict terror", or "spread terror", each with slightly different connotations.

Is there a difference between "cause terror" and "cause fear"?

"Cause terror" implies a more intense and pervasive sense of dread than "cause fear". Terror suggests extreme fear combined with a sense of helplessness.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "cause terror"?

Use "cause terror" when describing events that generate widespread panic, dread, and a sense of extreme vulnerability. For less intense situations, consider alternatives like "cause anxiety" or "cause fear".