dread that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dread that" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express a feeling of fear or apprehension towards something. Example: "I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread that something terrible was about to happen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Opponents of Mr. Préval dread that possibility.

The New York Times

Did he ever dread that day? "No.

The Guardian - Film

Why dread that?" But the bikini has become the star of several fear-inspiring marketing campaigns.

The New York Times

The unfocused dread that Jennifer feels will linger to the end.

The New York Times - Books

My workplace became an extension of the dread that has enveloped this nation.

The New York Times

After that, I start to get the sense of dread that I'm not going to work.

The New York Times

Above all, perhaps, the special dread that comes with the unknown.

Independent

It was a reminder of the dread that gripped the McLaughlin household in those days.

The New Yorker

There's a special sense of dread that comes with that phrase, "serial killer".

The New York Times

Indeed, many people described a kind of existential dread that matches their fear of cancer.

The Washington Post

This is the dread that seeps through all of us in Afghanistan, even the smallest children.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dread that" to express a strong feeling of apprehension about a future event or possibility. This phrase is effective when you want to convey a sense of foreboding or intense worry.

Common error

Avoid using "dread that" in very casual or informal settings where it might sound overly dramatic. Simpler alternatives like "worry that" or "be afraid that" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dread that" functions as a connector introducing a clause expressing something feared or anticipated with anxiety. It follows a verb of emotion (such as "dread") and links it to the content of the fear, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dread that" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express a strong feeling of apprehension or fear about a potential future event. According to Ludwig, it functions as a connector and is most commonly found in News & Media contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of the setting, opting for simpler alternatives in very casual conversations. Ludwig's examples highlight the phrase's effectiveness in conveying both personal anxieties and broader societal concerns, confirming its place as a potent tool for expressing negative anticipation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fear that

Replaces "dread" with "fear", a more common and direct synonym, slightly reducing the intensity of the feeling.

anticipate with dread that

Emphasizes the anticipation aspect of "dread", making the expression more descriptive and intensifying the negative expectation.

be afraid that

Expresses concern with "be afraid", creating a more personal and vulnerable tone.

apprehend that

Uses "apprehend" to convey a sense of foreboding or unease, introducing a slightly more formal tone.

feel anxious that

Expresses anxiety directly, replacing the more intense "dread" with a focus on the feeling of unease.

worry that

Substitutes "dread" with "worry", softening the emotional impact and suggesting a lesser degree of anxiety.

have misgivings that

Employs "have misgivings" to indicate doubts or reservations, implying a more reasoned rather than emotional response.

expect with anxiety that

Replaces "dread" with "expect with anxiety", highlighting the anticipation of something unpleasant and the associated nervousness.

foresee with concern that

Adds "foresee with concern" to emphasize anticipation of a negative outcome, making the expression more descriptive.

tremble at the thought that

Uses "tremble at the thought" to convey a strong physical reaction to the idea, amplifying the sense of fear and aversion.

FAQs

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

Use "dread that" to express a strong feeling of apprehension or fear about something that might happen. For example, "I "dread that" I might fail the exam after all this preparation".

What are some alternatives to "dread that"?

You can use alternatives such as "fear that", "worry that", or "be afraid that" depending on the context and the intensity of the emotion you want to convey.

Is "dread that" formal or informal?

"Dread that" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in writing or when expressing strong emotions. In very casual conversations, simpler phrases might be preferred.

What's the difference between "dread that" and "worry that"?

"Dread that" implies a stronger, more intense feeling of fear and apprehension than "worry that". "Dread" suggests a deep sense of foreboding, while "worry" indicates a lighter concern.