consumed by fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consumed by fear" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a person who is completely overwhelmed or controlled by fear. Example: The young girl was consumed by fear as she walked home alone in the dark.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"In a world consumed by fear.

The New York Times - Sports

I pray that he doesn't grasp the situation, that his final moments aren't consumed by fear.

The New Yorker

Han was once again consumed by fear that he would die in bed, alone.

The Washington Post

In the meantime, I'm consumed by fear along with many other parents on the island.

The New York Times

Zakaria says the United States has become a nation consumed by fear and pessimism.

The Washington Post

She's consumed by fear: "She was scared of spiders, scared of people and even scared of trees.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Until now he had made the decision not to be consumed by fears for his personal safety.

The Guardian

"Like David, sometimes we can get consumed by fears and anxieties," she says, explaining why she wanted to produce this story.

The New York Times

Their deaths seemed especially shocking at a time when the murder rate remains lower than it has been for decades and the city's attention is consumed by fears of terrorism and possible war.

The New York Times

As Apocalypse Now's budget and schedule ran out of control – and its leading man, Martin Sheen, had a heart attack – Coppola was consumed by fears and self-doubt, as captured in the documentary.

The Guardian - Film

But Mansour Beigi says too, she is consumed by fears for the health and future of her youngest child, 12-year-old Ali, whavedoctorsaidve sais, is at acute mental health risk and should be moved from the island.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "consumed by fear" to vividly depict characters or situations where fear is a dominant, controlling force. This phrase is effective in creating a strong emotional impact on the reader.

Common error

While impactful, overusing "consumed by fear" can diminish its effect. Vary your descriptions of fear with more subtle or nuanced expressions to maintain the reader's engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consumed by fear" functions primarily as a descriptive element, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of being overwhelmed by fear. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "consumed by fear" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a state of being overwhelmed by fear. As Ludwig AI explains, it paints a vivid picture of someone whose thoughts and actions are dominated by intense fear. Analysis of real-world examples reveals that the phrase is most frequently used in news and media contexts, as well as in formal and business writing, to evoke strong emotional responses and highlight the severity of a situation. While "consumed by fear" is a powerful and effective phrase, it's essential to avoid overuse and vary descriptions of fear to maintain reader engagement. Alternatives like "overwhelmed by fear" or "gripped by terror" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Ludwig, therefore, confirms that "consumed by fear" is a versatile and valuable tool for writers seeking to convey the intensity of fear, but it should be used judiciously and with careful consideration of context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overwhelmed by fear

Focuses on the feeling of being overpowered by fear.

paralyzed by fear

Emphasizes the immobilizing effect of fear.

gripped by terror

Highlights a sudden and intense experience of fear.

filled with dread

Suggests a pervasive sense of impending doom or fear.

stricken with panic

Focuses on a sudden attack of overwhelming anxiety and fear.

seized by alarm

Emphasizes a sudden awareness of danger and resulting fear.

haunted by anxiety

Highlights a persistent state of worry and fear.

beset by apprehension

Suggests a state of being troubled or attacked by anxiety.

suffering from phobia

Focuses on a specific and irrational fear.

living in terror

Highlights a continuous state of extreme fear.

FAQs

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

You can use "consumed by fear" to describe a person or a group of people who are completely overwhelmed by fear, for example: "The nation was consumed by fear during the war".

What are some alternatives to "consumed by fear"?

Alternatives include "overwhelmed by fear", "paralyzed by fear", or "gripped by terror", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "consumed by fear"?

Yes, "consumed by fear" is grammatically correct. It's a passive construction that describes someone being overwhelmed by fear.

What's the difference between "consumed by fear" and "afraid of"?

"Consumed by fear" implies a more intense and all-encompassing state of fear than simply being "afraid of". /s/Afraid+of suggests a milder, more specific fear, while "consumed by fear" indicates a state where fear dominates one's thoughts and actions.