fear of repercussions

USAGE SUMMARY

'fear of repercussions' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express concerns of negative consequences of taking a particular course of action. For example: "He was hesitant to speak out for fear of repercussions from his employer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now, some leaders said, some students are reluctant to get involved out of fear of repercussions.

The New York Times

The couple do not want to be identified for fear of repercussions.

The Guardian

He asked that his name be withheld out of fear of repercussions from border authorities.

The Guardian

"Any employee can call in if they want to comment, without fear of repercussions".

The New York Times

The woman requested anonymity because of the fear of repercussions from Iranian authorities if she spoke openly.

The New York Times

Disclosing depression or anxiety has long been seen as the last workplace taboo, for fear of repercussions.

The Guardian

She gave her last name as Liu and requested that her first name not be used, for fear of repercussions.

The New York Times

For every vocal activist, there's another tenant who is wary of speaking out for fear of repercussions.

The Guardian

The fear of repercussions in Cleveland if a not guilty verdict comes down have heightened in recent days.

The Guardian

A secret ballot would allow MPs to vote against the Speaker without fear of repercussions if he won.

The Guardian

If there were greater fear of repercussions for lying, Shah believes, this would protect the innocent from false allegations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fear of repercussions", ensure the context clearly identifies who or what is causing the fear and what those repercussions might be. Specificity enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "fear of repercussions" without specifying the source or nature of the repercussions. Overgeneralization weakens the statement and leaves the reader guessing about the specific concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fear of repercussions" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of anxiety or concern related to the potential negative consequences of an action, decision, or statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fear of repercussions" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used phrase that explains hesitancy or inaction due to potential negative consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English to express concerns about the negative outcomes of a specific action. Its usage spans across various contexts, from news and media to scientific research, although most examples can be found in journalistic contexts. When using the phrase, be specific about the source and nature of the repercussions to maintain clarity. Alternatives like "apprehension about consequences" or "concern over potential retaliation" may be suitable in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apprehension about consequences

Focuses on the anxiety related to potential outcomes.

worry about negative outcomes

Emphasizes the concern regarding adverse results.

concern over potential retaliation

Highlights the worry about acts of revenge or retribution.

dread of adverse consequences

Indicates a strong feeling of fear related to unfavorable results.

anxiety about punitive measures

Focuses on the unease related to disciplinary actions.

hesitation due to possible penalties

Emphasizes the reluctance caused by potential punishments.

reluctance because of potential fallout

Highlights the unwillingness arising from possible negative effects.

caution due to anticipated backlash

Emphasizes the carefulness resulting from expected negative reactions.

concern about possible recrimination

Highlights the worry about accusatory responses.

trepidation regarding possible sanctions

Indicates a feeling of alarm or dread related to possible penalties.

FAQs

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

You can use "fear of repercussions" to explain why someone is hesitant to act or speak out. For example, "Employees might not report safety violations due to "fear of repercussions" from management".

What's a more formal synonym for "fear of repercussions"?

While "fear of repercussions" is suitable for many contexts, a more formal alternative could be "apprehension about consequences" or "concern over potential retaliation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "fear of repercussions" or "fear of consequences"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. "Fear of repercussions" often implies a direct, often negative, response to a specific action, while "fear of consequences" is a broader term that can refer to any outcome, positive or negative.

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

Use "fear of repercussions" when you want to emphasize that someone is refraining from action because they are worried about specific, negative reactions or penalties as a result of their actions or words. For example, a whistleblower might remain silent out of "fear of repercussions".