consumed by dread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consumed by dread" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being overwhelmed or completely overtaken by feelings of fear or anxiety. Example: "As the storm approached, she felt consumed by dread, unable to shake the feeling that something terrible was about to happen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Some people might experience an attack or maybe even two, and then never again feel consumed by dread and imminence of death, but others are not so fortunate.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I saw it on the first icy, Siberian night of the Berlin winter, and I found myself consumed by a mounting sense of dread, such as one experiences during only the most intense evenings of theatre.

The New Yorker

James dreads failure and is consumed by the fear that his kid brother might beat him at his chosen endeavour.

The Economist

Fats consumed by Alexander.

The New Yorker

Weekends were consumed by soccer.

The New York Times - Sports

How consumed by the moment?

The New York Times - Sports

— Marquette Coach Buzz Williams is consumed by numbers.

The New York Times - Sports

The center was consumed by the fire.

The New York Times

People are consumed by it".

The Guardian

But I was consumed by him.

The New York Times

The 1980s were consumed by leadership struggles.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "consumed by dread" to vividly depict a character or person's internal state when they are completely overwhelmed by a sense of impending doom or intense fear. This phrase adds emotional depth and emphasizes the severity of their anxiety.

Common error

Avoid using "consumed by dread" in contexts where simpler, more direct language would be more effective. Overusing abstract or dramatic phrasing can weaken your writing. Ensure it aligns with the overall tone and style of your text.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consumed by dread" functions as a descriptive phrase, depicting a state of being overwhelmed by intense fear or anxiety. It is used to add emotional depth to a narrative. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "consumed by dread" is a descriptive phrase used to express a state of being overwhelmed by intense fear or anxiety. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound, although its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. It serves to vividly depict a character's emotional state, conveying the intensity of their fear. Related phrases include "overwhelmed by fear" and "engulfed in terror", which similarly emphasize the all-encompassing nature of the emotion. While grammatically correct, overuse of abstract or dramatic phrasing should be avoided to maintain writing clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overwhelmed by fear

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of being overpowered by fear, similar to being consumed.

engulfed in terror

This phrase highlights the encompassing nature of the terror, akin to being completely consumed by it.

gripped by anxiety

Focuses on the physical and mental hold that anxiety has on a person.

paralyzed by fear

This suggests an inability to act due to overwhelming fear, highlighting the immobilizing effect of dread.

filled with foreboding

Emphasizes a sense of impending doom, creating a similar feeling of dread.

stricken with terror

Highlights the sudden and impactful nature of the terror experienced.

seized by panic

This phrase focuses on the sudden onset of intense fear and anxiety.

haunted by fear

Suggests a persistent and recurring sense of fear, similar to being consumed over time.

living in constant fear

This describes the state of someone who experiences fear consistently.

wracked with anxiety

Suggests intense physical and emotional suffering caused by anxiety, reflecting the consuming nature of dread.

FAQs

How can I use "consumed by dread" in a sentence?

You can use "consumed by dread" to describe a feeling of being completely overwhelmed by fear or anxiety. For example: "As the storm approached, she felt "consumed by dread", unable to shake the feeling that something terrible was about to happen."

What are some alternatives to "consumed by dread"?

Some alternatives to "consumed by dread" include "overwhelmed by fear", "engulfed in terror", or "gripped by anxiety", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "consumed by dread" or "filled with dread"?

"Consumed by dread" suggests a more intense and all-encompassing feeling than "filled with dread". The choice depends on the degree of fear or anxiety you want to express. If you are feeling "filled with foreboding" it doesn't necessarily imply that it takes over your whole life.

What kind of situations typically lead someone to be "consumed by dread"?

Situations that involve significant uncertainty, potential danger, or a sense of impending doom can lead someone to be "consumed by dread". Examples include facing a life-threatening illness, awaiting a critical decision, or experiencing a traumatic event.