fear for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fear for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express anxiety or concern about a person or thing. For example: "I have a great fear for my children's safety when they are away from me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They fear for their jobs.

The Economist

They fear for their safety.

The Economist

But don't fear for Boeing.

The Economist

Some fear for quality.

The Guardian

I fear for you".

The New York Times

Fear for my future?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Fear for your lives.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is a fear for all broadcasters.

The New York Times - Sports

"People still fear for their jobs.

The New York Times

Electricity workers fear for their jobs.

The Economist

Many more fear for the future.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fear for" when you want to express a deep concern or anxiety about the well-being or future of someone or something. Ensure the context clearly indicates the source and object of the fear.

Common error

Avoid using "fear for" when a simple expression of concern or worry is sufficient. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly dramatic. Consider more neutral alternatives like "worry about" or "be concerned about" if the situation doesn't warrant a strong sense of dread.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fear for" functions primarily as a verb phrase expressing concern or anxiety about someone or something. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts ranging from personal safety to broader societal concerns, demonstrating its capacity to convey a strong sense of worry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fear for" is a powerful expression used to convey deep concern or anxiety about the well-being or future of someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. While it's important to use it appropriately, avoiding overuse in situations that only require a simple expression of "concern", "fear for" is a valuable tool for expressing significant worry. Remember to consider the context to determine if a more neutral alternative might be suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worry about

Focuses on the act of being concerned or anxious.

be concerned for

Emphasizes a sense of care and worry.

have concerns about

Highlights the presence of specific worries or anxieties.

be anxious about

Stresses a state of unease or nervousness.

dread for

Implies a strong feeling of apprehension or fear.

be apprehensive about

Indicates a feeling of worry about possible future events.

tremble for

Suggests intense fear or worry.

be solicitous about

Highlights a caring and concerned attitude.

feel uneasy about

Emphasizes a sense of discomfort or apprehension.

be distressed about

Indicates a state of extreme anxiety and concern.

FAQs

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

The phrase "fear for" is used to express concern or anxiety about someone or something. For example, "I fear for his safety" or "They fear for the future of the planet".

What are some alternatives to "fear for"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "worry about", "be concerned about", or "have concerns about". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it more appropriate to say "fear for" or "fear about"?

"Fear for" is the more common and grammatically sound choice when expressing concern for someone or something. "Fear about" is less frequently used and can sound awkward.

When is it appropriate to use "fear for" versus simply expressing concern?

Use "fear for" when the level of concern is high, suggesting a sense of danger or significant potential harm. If the worry is mild, expressing general "concern" may be more suitable.