dread of

USAGE SUMMARY

"dread of" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It typically means a strong feeling of fear or anxiety about something. Example: The children showed a clear dread of the dark, often asking to sleep with the lights on.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thais feel a dread of it.

The Economist

He has a dread of breaking even.

The New Yorker

Or even just the dread of belonging.

The New York Times - Books

I live in dread of "shoulda woulda".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's the dread of the classroom.

The Guardian - Travel

"It's a dread of some unidentifiable nemesis".

The New York Times - Books

But is living in constant dread of cancer really living?

Columbia University

I had a dread of its being over.

The Economist

For several weeks, she lived in dread of being discovered.

The New Yorker

The dread of the other Sprechen Sie job?

The Economist

With that comes the ancient dread of forgetting.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dread of" to express a deep-seated fear or apprehension towards something, emphasizing the emotional weight involved. For example, "The constant dread of failure can be paralyzing."

Common error

Avoid using "dread of" when describing minor inconveniences or dislikes. It's better suited for significant anxieties or fears, not everyday annoyances. For example, don't say "I have a dread of doing the dishes"; instead, say "I dislike doing the dishes."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dread of" functions as a noun phrase acting as an object of a verb or preposition, expressing a strong feeling of fear or apprehension towards something. Ludwig AI indicates this is a correct and commonly used phrase, evidenced by numerous examples across various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

15%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dread of" effectively communicates a profound sense of fear or anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially within news and academic contexts. While alternatives like "fear of" or "anxiety about" exist, "dread of" suggests a more intense emotional burden. When writing, ensure you reserve "dread of" for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong term, avoiding its overuse in trivial contexts. Ludwig's examples and analysis provide a solid foundation for understanding and appropriately using this impactful phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fear of

Replaces "dread" with "fear", a more general term for a similar emotion.

Anxiety about

Shifts the focus to anxiety, emphasizing the worrying aspect of the feeling.

Trepidation about

Highlights a feeling of nervousness or anxiety about something that might happen.

Apprehension concerning

Uses a more formal and nuanced term for unease or worry.

Horror of

Emphasizes a feeling of intense disgust and fear.

Terror of

Emphasizes the intensity of the fear, suggesting a more extreme reaction.

Aversion to

Indicates a strong dislike and avoidance, rather than just fear.

Phobia of

Suggests an irrational and intense fear, often clinically recognized.

Dislike of

A weaker expression indicating a simple lack of preference, not necessarily fear.

Unease regarding

Conveys a mild form of anxiety or discomfort about something.

FAQs

How can I use "dread of" in a sentence?

Use "dread of" to describe a strong feeling of fear or apprehension about something, as in "She lived in constant dread of being discovered" or "He had a dread of heights."

What are some alternatives to saying "dread of"?

You can use alternatives like "fear of", "anxiety about", or "apprehension concerning" depending on the specific context and intensity of the feeling.

Is it correct to say "dread for" instead of "dread of"?

While "dread" can be used as a verb (e.g., "I dread the exam"), the correct preposition to use with "dread" as a noun is "of". So, use "dread of" rather than "dread for".

What's the difference between "dread of" and "anxiety about"?

"Dread of" often implies a more intense and overwhelming feeling of fear, while "anxiety about" can refer to a more general state of worry or unease. The intensity and specific trigger can differentiate the two.