driven by fear

USAGE SUMMARY

"driven by fear" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or action that is motivated or influenced by fear. It can also refer to a person who is controlled or guided by fear in their decision-making. Example 1: Sally's refusal to climb the ladder was driven by fear; she was terrified of heights. Example 2: The country's strict laws were driven by fear of rebellion and unrest among the population. Example 3: His reckless behavior was driven by fear of failure and rejection. Example 4: The team's desperate attempts to win the championship were driven by fear of disappointing their fans.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is an opposition driven by fear.

The New Yorker

Yet this metamorphosis is also being driven by fear.

The Economist

And deep down, they are cautious, even driven by fear.

The New York Times - Sports

She says: "My life was driven by fear.

The Guardian

Mr. Weiss admitted that he was riven by insecurity and driven by fear of failure.

The New York Times - Arts

The cooperation of the last meetings "was driven by fear," the financier George Soros said.

The New York Times

Driven by fear of execution, disaffected soldiers have quietly worked to undermine the regime.

The New York Times

This isn't Muslim-baiting — it's driven by fear, by a desire for safety and security.

The New York Times

They must not be squandered on nonthreatening issues driven by fear or opportunism.

The New York Times

We live in a society whose culture is driven by fear of death.

The Guardian - Opinion

One industry insider, who wished to remain anonymous, suggested that the masculinisation was driven by fear.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "driven by fear", ensure that the context clearly identifies what or who is experiencing the fear and its specific impact.

Common error

Avoid using "driven by fear" as a vague explanation. Specify the source and nature of the fear to provide a more precise and informative description. For example, instead of saying "the decision was driven by fear", specify "the decision was driven by fear of economic collapse".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "driven by fear" functions as a descriptive modifier, typically used to characterize a noun or pronoun. It specifies the underlying cause or motivation behind an action, decision, or state. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes something that is motivated or influenced by fear.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "driven by fear" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe situations, actions, or decisions influenced or motivated primarily by fear. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase serves to explain underlying motivations, often highlighting potentially irrational or intense responses. While alternatives like "motivated by fear" or "fueled by fear" exist, "driven by fear" specifically emphasizes the compelling and sometimes overwhelming power of fear as a catalyst. Remember to specify the source and nature of the fear to avoid overgeneralization and ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motivated by fear

Replaces "driven" with "motivated", emphasizing the cause of action.

fueled by fear

Substitutes "driven" with "fueled", suggesting fear as an energy source.

compelled by fear

Replaces "driven" with "compelled", highlighting a sense of obligation due to fear.

governed by fear

Substitutes "driven" with "governed", indicating control by fear.

influenced by fear

Replaces "driven" with "influenced", suggesting a weaker but still significant impact of fear.

dominated by fear

Replaces "driven" with "dominated", implying fear has a controlling influence.

guided by fear

Replaces "driven" with "guided", suggesting fear as a directional force.

prompted by fear

Substitutes "driven" with "prompted", indicating fear as an initial trigger.

actuated by fear

Replaces "driven" with "actuated", which is a more formal way of saying caused by fear.

inspire by fear

Replaces "driven" with "inspire", but this could mean that the fear is the start point of something new.

FAQs

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

You can use "driven by fear" to describe actions, decisions, or policies that are primarily motivated by fear. For example, "The company's cost-cutting measures were "driven by fear" of declining profits".

What are some alternatives to "driven by fear"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "motivated by fear", "fueled by fear", or "compelled by fear".

Is "driven by fear" the same as "motivated by fear"?

While similar, "driven by fear" often suggests a more intense and potentially irrational response, while "motivated by fear" can imply a more calculated reaction to perceived threats.

In what contexts is "driven by fear" most appropriately used?

"Driven by fear" is suitable for describing situations where fear is the predominant factor influencing behavior or decisions, such as in politics, economics, or personal relationships. Ensure the context clearly demonstrates the causal link between fear and the resulting action.