evoke fear

USAGE SUMMARY

'evoke fear' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it in any context where you are trying to describe something that is causing fear, or in which you are discussing the idea of fear being provoked. For example: The horror movie was designed to evoke fear in the viewers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

I doubt that I could write a convincing one, since my prose doesn't generally evoke fear.

The New York Times

This "awesome" is the one that might evoke fear and dread.

The Guardian

Conservationists often complain that it is difficult to gain popular support for saving sharks — animals that tend to evoke fear rather than sympathy.

The New Yorker

The emotion horror stories strive to evoke — fear — is one that civilized folks are inclined to think of as low, primitive, animal.

The New York Times - Books

The Long Island Expressway, Route 3 to Cape Cod and Interstate 94 in Michigan are roadways that evoke fear and loathing in those making the Friday night exodus.

The New York Times - Travel

Conservationists often complain that it is difficult to gain popular support for saving sharks—animals that tend to evoke fear rather than sympathy.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Optogenetic stimulation of CANE-captured social-fear neurons (SFNs) is sufficient to evoke fear-like behaviors in normal social contexts, whereas silencing SFNs resulted in reduced social avoidance.

Neuron

It focuses on the Southeast and West Coast, which evoke fears of overbuilt condo markets.

Forbes

Morse's cloud-pocked skies also evoke fears of airborne pathogens.

Los Angeles Times

For many of us, thinking about death can evoke fears of separation, loss, pain, suffering, and anxiety about leaving those we love behind.

Vice

Now it evokes fear and uncertainty.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the emotional impact of a situation or event, use "evoke fear" to highlight how it incites feelings of fear. For example, "The unsettling atmosphere in the old house was designed to evoke fear in visitors."

Common error

Avoid using "evoke fear" excessively in contexts where it sensationalizes or exaggerates the situation. Focus on accurately representing the emotional impact without resorting to hyperbole.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "evoke fear" functions as a verb phrase, where "evoke" acts as a transitive verb requiring an object ("fear"). It describes the action of bringing a feeling of fear into existence or awareness. Ludwig AI indicates it's a perfectly usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "evoke fear" is a versatile and commonly used expression that describes the act of causing or creating a sense of fear. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. It's particularly prevalent in news and media, as well as scientific writing, reflecting its role in discussing emotional impacts in both current events and research. While direct and effective, it's important to use "evoke fear" judiciously, avoiding overuse in sensationalist contexts. Alternatives such as "arouse fear" or "instill fear" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arouse fear

Uses a different verb to describe the creation of fear.

instill fear

Emphasizes the process of gradually introducing fear.

generate fear

Focuses on the production or creation of fear.

create fear

A more direct and simple way of expressing the creation of fear.

provoke fear

Highlights the act of intentionally causing fear.

elicit fear

Suggests bringing fear to the surface from a hidden state.

inspire fear

Implies a more profound and lasting sense of fear.

induce fear

Focuses on influencing someone to feel fear.

trigger fear

Highlights the sudden onset of fear.

foster fear

Emphasizes the gradual development and encouragement of fear.

FAQs

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

You can use "evoke fear" to describe something that causes a feeling of fear. For example, "The horror movie aimed to evoke fear in the audience", or "The dictator used propaganda to evoke fear among the population".

What are some alternatives to "evoke fear"?

Alternatives to "evoke fear" include "arouse fear", "instill fear", or "generate fear", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "evoke fear" a formal or informal expression?

"Evoke fear" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

What's the difference between "evoke fear" and "cause fear"?

"Evoke fear" suggests a more subtle or indirect incitement of fear, while "cause fear" is a more direct and explicit way of saying something results in fear. The phrase "cause fear" describes a direct action that leads to a feeling of fear.