fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'fear' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a noun (e.g. "She felt a deep fear in her heart") or a verb (e.g. "He feared the worst").

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Books

Lifestyle

Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Migrants who have permission to be in the UK are avoiding seeking vital medical treatment for fear of being arrested, a charity has warned.

The Guardian

Any attack on that and I do fear it would result in industrial action".

The Guardian

There will be all sorts of obstacles to the sort of Iranian-American relations that the Saudis fear.

The Guardian

"We have seen detainees' mental and physical health deteriorate in immigration detention and we fear for this man's wellbeing given his existing reported vulnerabilities".

The Guardian

Don't forget the chaos and fear of 2008.

The Economist

Never fear!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Without mentioning Bachmann by name, McCain described the attacks on Abedin, a Muslim, as an example of ignorance and fear.

The Guardian

The Guardian published the story after the Daily Telegraph refused to for fear of offending its readers, even after the paper had paid a substantial sum to secure the exclusive rights.

The Guardian - Books

Investors' greatest fear now is lack of growth.

The Guardian - Business

Related: Hands across the divide: Cypriots go where their politicians fear to tread Eide, a former Norwegian foreign minister who is the UN secretary general's special representative, says he does not expect Friday's meeting, the first since talks were stalled last October, to go beyond a "general exchange of views".

The Guardian

Jake Healey, a student at the University of West England, says: "Shyness depends on the situation – meeting new people, fear of them not liking me, wanting to make a good first impression".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fear" as a verb, ensure that the sentence structure clearly indicates what is being feared, whether it's an event, person, or outcome.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on the word "fear" in formal documents or academic papers. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "apprehension", "concern", or "anxiety" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "fear" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a strong emotion caused by perceived danger or threat. It can also function as a verb, meaning to be afraid of or to suspect. Ludwig AI confirms this dual functionality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Opinion

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Lifestyle

10%

Business

10%

Sport

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "fear" is a versatile term in the English language, functioning as both a noun and a verb to express strong emotions of apprehension and anxiety. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears very frequently in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Opinion, and Books. When writing, it's best to use "fear" to convey intense emotions but consider synonyms like "anxiety" or "concern" in formal writing to avoid overuse. By understanding its proper usage and context, writers can effectively communicate the nuances of "fear" in their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terror

Indicates extreme fear or dread.

apprehension

Indicates a feeling of anxiety or dread about the future.

horror

Expresses intense and overwhelming fear or shock.

dread

Implies a strong feeling of fear or distaste for something about to happen.

anxiety

Suggests a state of worry, nervousness, or unease.

trepidation

Conveys a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen.

alarm

Implies sudden and intense fear or anxiety.

panic

Suggests a sudden, overwhelming feeling of terror.

worry

Denotes a state of anxiety and concern over actual or potential problems.

concern

Highlights worry or interest, often milder than fear.

FAQs

How can I use "fear" in a sentence?

You can use "fear" as a noun, like in "She felt a deep fear of the unknown", or as a verb, as in "I fear that it might rain later".

What are some synonyms for "fear"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "anxiety", "dread", "apprehension", or "concern".

When is it appropriate to use "fear" in writing?

"Fear" is appropriate when conveying a strong sense of apprehension, anxiety, or dread. Choose it when you want to emphasize the intensity of the emotion.

What's the difference between "fear" and "anxiety"?

"Fear" is typically a response to a specific, immediate threat, while "anxiety" is often a more general, ongoing state of worry about potential future threats.