cowering in fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cowering in fear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone was very scared of something. For example, "The children were cowering in fear at the sound of the thunder."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

"People shouldn't spend their lives cowering in fear," he said.

The New York Times

Portugal and others are now cowering in fear.

The Economist

You could see the corner flag cowering in fear.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet those expecting private-equity executives to be cowering in fear of retribution will be disappointed.

The Economist

It's not as if we spent two decades cowering in fear.

The New Yorker

What I've never seen – and don't expect to see – are Muslims cowering in fear of Trump.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Make a character cower in fear and the game, apparently fearful that dialogue and animation are insufficient to get the point across, interjects that he is "afraid of the Big Bad Wolf".

The New York Times - Arts

For decades, Arabs walked and cowered in fear.

The New York Times

That's why we don't cower in fear.

The New York Times

@eliselabottcnn @lrozen France accepts 30,000 while we cower in fear.

Independent

We did not cower in fear, withdrawing from the world.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cowering in fear" to vividly depict a character or group's reaction to a frightening situation, emphasizing their vulnerability and helplessness. Consider alternatives for nuanced expression.

Common error

While "cowering in fear" is a powerful phrase, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more restrained language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cowering in fear" functions as a descriptive verb phrase, illustrating a state of being overwhelmed by fear. As Ludwig AI points out, it is often used to vividly depict a reaction to a frightening situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Reference

1%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cowering in fear" is a powerful descriptive tool used to convey intense fear and vulnerability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently employed, particularly in news and media, to depict reactions to frightening situations. While alternatives exist, each carries slightly different nuances. When writing, consider the level of formality required; while effective, "cowering in fear" can be overly dramatic for some contexts. Remember, the goal is to vividly communicate the emotion without sacrificing the overall tone. This is also confirmed by the very high number of examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

huddling in terror

Emphasizes physical shrinking and intense dread.

trembling with fright

Highlights the physical manifestation of fear through shaking.

shrinking back in horror

Focuses on a recoiling movement driven by intense disgust and fear.

recoiling in terror

Implies an instinctive movement away from something frightening.

quaking with apprehension

Suggests a more subdued but pervasive anxiety.

cringing in dread

Implies a physical reaction to anticipated pain or misfortune.

drawing back in alarm

Indicates a sudden, sharp reaction to a perceived threat.

in a state of abject fear

Uses "state" instead of a verb.

immobilized by terror

Suggests paralysis caused by extreme fear.

petrified with fear

Highlights the intensity of fear, suggesting a state of being frozen.

FAQs

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

You can use "cowering in fear" to describe someone's reaction to a frightening situation. For example, "The villagers were "cowering in fear" as the dragon approached".

What are some alternatives to "cowering in fear"?

Alternatives include "huddling in terror", "trembling with fright", or "recoiling in terror", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "cowering in fear" too dramatic for everyday conversation?

While appropriate, "cowering in fear" can sound dramatic. In everyday conversation, consider less intense alternatives like "scared" or "afraid".

What's the difference between "cowering in fear" and "trembling with fear"?

"Cowering in fear" implies a physical shrinking or hiding, while "trembling with fear" emphasizes the physical manifestation of fear through shaking. The choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.