fear of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'fear of' is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is commonly used to express a feeling of fear or uneasiness that someone has towards something, typically a particular situation or activity. Example: He had a fear of flying.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fear of Brooklyn.

The New Yorker

Alektorophobia- Fear of chickens.

The New Yorker

Bathophobia- Fear of depth.

The New Yorker

Cathisophobia- Fear of sitting.

The New Yorker

Dentophobia- Fear of dentists.

The New Yorker

Dendrophobia- Fear of trees.

The New Yorker

Bolshephobia- Fear of Bolsheviks.

The New Yorker

Entomophobia- Fear of insects.

The New Yorker

Geniophobia- Fear of chins.

The New Yorker

Homichlophobia- Fear of fog.

The New Yorker

Lachanophobia- Fear of vegetables.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a specific "fear of" something, be precise. Instead of saying "He has a fear", specify the object of the fear, such as "He has a "fear of" heights".

Common error

Avoid using "fear of" when you simply mean a strong dislike. "Fear of" implies a deeper emotional response than mere distaste. For example, instead of "I have a "fear of" broccoli", say "I dislike broccoli very much".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fear of" functions as a prepositional phrase often used to express a specific phobia, anxiety, or general apprehension towards something. It connects a noun or pronoun to the emotion of fear, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples such as "Fear of Brooklyn" or "Fear of dentists".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fear of" is a common and grammatically correct way to express apprehension or phobia towards something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's essential to use "fear of" appropriately, avoiding its use when describing mere dislikes, it remains a versatile and frequently employed expression for conveying feelings of dread or anxiety. Consider alternatives like "anxiety about" or "concern over" when a milder sentiment is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

phobia of

Denotes an irrational, intense, and persistent fear of certain situations, activities, things, animals, or people.

terror of

Signifies extreme fear, or a state in which your body and mind are reacting to extreme fear.

dread of

Conveys a stronger sense of impending negativity and aversion.

anxiety about

Focuses more on general worry or unease rather than a specific fear.

panic about

Suggests a sudden, overwhelming feeling of fear, often accompanied by physical symptoms.

apprehension regarding

Implies a more formal and considered concern about something.

worry about

Indicates a state of mental distress or agitation over something.

unease about

Suggests a mild form of discomfort or anxiety related to something.

concern over

Highlights worry and consideration, often for something's potential impact.

aversion to

Expresses a strong dislike or unwillingness towards something.

FAQs

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

You can use "fear of" to describe a phobia or a general feeling of unease. For instance, "She has a "fear of" public speaking" or "There's a growing "fear of" economic instability".

What are some phobias that use the structure "fear of"?

Many phobias are described using "fear of", such as "fear of heights" (acrophobia), "fear of spiders" (arachnophobia), and "fear of enclosed spaces" (claustrophobia).

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

"Fear of" typically refers to a specific object or situation, while "anxiety about" is a more general feeling of worry or unease. For example, you might have a "fear of" snakes, but experience "anxiety about" your future.

Are there situations where it's better to use a different phrase than "fear of"?

Yes, in situations where you want to express a milder feeling of unease or concern, alternatives like "concern over" or "worry about" might be more appropriate.