fear predominated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fear predominated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where fear is the dominant emotion or feeling among a group or individual. Example: "In the aftermath of the disaster, fear predominated among the residents, leading to widespread panic and uncertainty."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

However, although happiness was the emotion best detected at baseline, under the effects of 2C-B, fear predominated.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Junk bonds and other debt deals will dry up if economic fears predominate.

The New York Times

Investor nerves are mounting amid US stimulus fears according to IG's Chris Beauchamp Chris Beauchampp (@ChrisB_IG) #FTSE now down 70 points, edging towards 6500 again, as tapering fears predominate.

The Guardian - Business

Sometimes fear predominates, sometimes it's sadness," says Doumany. "It is impossible to get used to seeing such scenes".

BBC

They can be driven away or taken away, or burned away, or left behind, that is what it is to be medieval" — she associates the term with "the dark and dreadful days of adolescence, in which predominated the fear of death".

The New Yorker

This distinction is important because worry is a key feature of anxiety disorders, where thoughts tend to be predominated by fear and anticipated threat, whereas depressive rumination tends to focus on past loss, grief and self-perceived failure [ 46].

BMC Psychiatry

Armstrong's fierce desire to predominate created fear and loyalty.

The New Yorker

Negative attitudes predominated in eight women and centered on the view of a loss of womanhood, fear of symptoms and the association of menopause with ageing.

BMC Women's Health

The better-than-expected weather kept everyone in good spirits as sunny skies predominated, at least until mid-afternoon when play was halted for 90 minutes, amid fears of lightning.

BBC

Seafood openers predominated.

The New York Times

International art predominated.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fear predominated" to convey a sense of overwhelming or controlling fear, especially in formal or analytical writing where precision is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "fear predominated" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "fear was dominant" or "people were scared" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fear predominated" functions as a declarative statement, asserting that fear was the most powerful or prevalent emotion. According to Ludwig, this phrase is considered grammatically correct. The examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in describing the emotional climate within a specific context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fear predominated" is a grammatically sound expression that indicates the dominance or prevalence of fear. According to Ludwig, it is appropriate for formal writing, news reporting, or analytical contexts. While not commonly used in everyday speech, it effectively conveys a sense of overwhelming fear in the described scenario. Common synonyms include "fear was dominant" and "fear was prevalent".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fear was dominant

Replaces "predominated" with a more common synonym, "dominant".

fear was prevalent

Substitutes "predominated" with "prevalent", suggesting widespread presence of fear.

fear prevailed

Uses "prevailed" to indicate that fear was the strongest or most effective emotion.

fear took over

Employs a more informal and active verb phrase to suggest fear gained control.

fear reigned

Utilizes "reigned" to convey a sense of fear's authoritative or controlling presence.

fear became paramount

Replaces "predominated" with "became paramount", stressing the supreme importance of fear.

fear overshadowed everything

Highlights how fear diminished other feelings or considerations.

fear was the overriding emotion

Clarifies that fear was the most significant emotion experienced.

fear held sway

Uses the idiom "held sway" to express fear's controlling influence.

fear was the order of the day

Employs the idiom "the order of the day" to indicate that fear was the prevailing attitude or concern.

FAQs

What does "fear predominated" mean?

The phrase "fear predominated" means that fear was the most powerful or noticeable emotion in a situation, outweighing other feelings or considerations. It suggests fear was in control or had the upper hand.

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

It's best to use "fear predominated" in formal writing, such as academic papers, news reports, or analytical essays. In casual conversations or informal writing, simpler alternatives like "fear was dominant" or "people were scared" may be more suitable.

What are some synonyms for "fear predominated"?

Synonyms for "fear predominated" include "fear was dominant", "fear was prevalent", "fear prevailed", and "fear took over". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

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

Here's an example: "In the aftermath of the earthquake, "fear predominated" among the survivors, as they faced uncertainty and potential danger."