consuming fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consuming fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an intense, overwhelming feeling of fear that takes over a person's thoughts or actions. Example: "As she stood on the edge of the cliff, a consuming fear gripped her, making it difficult to take a step forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Surely if electronic gadgets could bring down an airplane, you can be sure that the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration, which has a consuming fear of 3.5 ounces of hand lotion and gel shoe inserts, wouldn't allow passengers to board a plane with an iPad or Kindle, for fear that they would be used by terrorists.

The New York Times

According to the report, produced at a cost of $42 million, the government failed to inform the public about the new evidence because of "a consuming fear of provoking an irrational public scare".

The New York Times

"I thought they were going to say they wanted access to better jobs and schools," Mr. Liebman said, "and what we came to understand was their consuming fear of random crime; the need the mothers felt to spend every minute of their day making sure their children were safe".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Beneath the placid surface, however, Ms. Baszile writes in her new memoir, "The Black Girl Next Door," lay churning emotions and brewing drama — "consuming fears of poverty, failure, exclusion and rejection" — as well as a debilitating kind of rage.

The New York Times - Books

When we consider a job loss, sometimes we are prone to consuming fears and anxiety.

Huffington Post

Mostly, though, she shopped compulsively, running up such huge bills that her fear of exposure overshadowed the war as her consuming concern.

The New York Times - Arts

(See "Wall Street's Consuming Fears").

Forbes

The consuming fears drove him to create an "escape kit," filled with first-aid materials and maps, just in case.

Huffington Post

There's the all-consuming fear of failure: I'm about to fall flat on my face.

The New York Times

But there was also one feeling I didn't anticipate, something that totally changed my preview days experience: total, all-consuming fear.

The New York Times

Bereft of both adrenaline and a sense of occasion, the contest was weakened by the reality that both sides clearly felt liberated from the all-consuming fear of dropping points that invariably turns their league performances into such nail-bitingly gripping affairs.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "consuming fear" to vividly describe a fear that dominates one's thoughts and actions, creating a sense of being completely overwhelmed. This phrase is particularly effective in narrative writing to convey intense emotions.

Common error

Avoid using "consuming fear" in casual conversation. This phrase is more suited to descriptive writing or formal contexts where a heightened emotional impact is desired. Simpler terms like "great fear" or "intense worry" are often more appropriate for everyday speech.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consuming fear" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun 'fear'. The adjective 'consuming' intensifies the noun, conveying the extent to which the fear dominates one's thoughts or actions. As Ludwig AI points out, it is a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "consuming fear" is a grammatically sound phrase used to depict an intense, overwhelming sense of fear, a point that Ludwig AI confirms. While not as common as simpler alternatives, it is particularly effective in descriptive writing and formal contexts. As the numerous examples show, the phrase is primarily found in News & Media. When you want to convey a sense of being completely taken over by fear, "consuming fear" is a powerful and appropriate choice. Be mindful, however, that it isn't always the best fit for casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overwhelming dread

Replaces "fear" with "dread", conveying a sense of impending doom.

all-encompassing dread

Similar to "overwhelming dread" but emphasizes the totality of the feeling.

consuming anxiety

Uses "anxiety" instead of "fear", highlighting the pervasive and overwhelming worry.

intense apprehension

Substitutes "fear" with "apprehension" and "consuming" with "intense", emphasizing worry about future events.

inescapable dread

Suggests that the feeling of dread is unavoidable and all-encompassing.

crippling anxiety

Uses "anxiety" instead of "fear", highlighting the disabling effect of the emotion.

paralyzing terror

Replaces "fear" with "terror", suggesting a more extreme and immobilizing fear.

uncontrollable trepidation

Highlights the inability to manage the feeling of fear or anxiety.

abject terror

Emphasizes the extreme and degrading nature of the fear.

deep-seated phobia

Indicates a long-term and irrational fear, often with a specific trigger.

FAQs

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

Use "consuming fear" to describe a fear that is all-encompassing and overwhelming. For example: "A "consuming fear" gripped him as he walked through the dark forest."

What phrases are similar to "consuming fear"?

Similar phrases include "overwhelming dread", "crippling anxiety", or "paralyzing terror". These all convey a sense of intense, all-encompassing fear.

Is "consuming fear" formal or informal?

"Consuming fear" is more formal and literary, best suited for descriptive writing or situations where a strong emotional impact is desired. Simpler phrases are preferable in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "consuming fear" and "intense fear"?

"Consuming fear" suggests a fear that completely dominates one's thoughts and actions, whereas "intense fear" simply implies a high degree of fear. "Consuming" adds a layer of being taken over by the emotion.