fear that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fear that" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when expressing a fear or concern about a certain outcome or result. Example: I fear that the project's timeline will be delayed if we don't get started soon.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But don't fear that process".

The New York Times

"A lot of Korean families fear that".

The New York Times

Courage is fear that said its prayers.

The New York Times

"I always fear that.

The New York Times

And they fear that mistake.

Harvard Business Review

"And the label fear that.

The Guardian - Music

I fear that way disappointment lies.

Princeton University

Fear That Red Army Would Stay.

The New York Times

U.S. officials fear that may change.

The Washington Post

Many fear that failure has already started.

The New York Times

I fear that is where we are.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fear that" to introduce a specific concern or apprehension about a potential outcome, ensuring the statement is followed by a clear and concise explanation of what you fear.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "fear that" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for alternatives like "I'm worried that" or "I'm afraid that" /s/i'm+afraid+that in less formal settings for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fear that" functions primarily as a declarative expression of concern or apprehension. It introduces a clause that specifies the cause of the fear. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fear that" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express apprehension or concern about a potential outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely used across various contexts. While most common in news and media, its formality may make it less suitable for casual conversation where alternatives such as "I'm worried that" are preferred. When writing, ensure that "fear that" clearly introduces the specific concern and maintains a tone appropriate for the intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be afraid that

Uses a more direct synonym for fear, focusing on the feeling of being afraid.

worry that

Shifts the emphasis to a state of worry or anxiety about something.

be concerned that

Implies a level of concern, often used in more formal contexts.

apprehend that

A more formal and less common way to express anticipating something negative.

have misgivings that

Suggests a feeling of doubt or unease about a future event.

dread that

Emphasizes a strong feeling of aversion and anticipation of something unpleasant.

suspect that

Indicates a belief that something unfavorable might occur, though with less emotional intensity.

anticipate with anxiety that

Highlights the anxious anticipation of a particular outcome.

foresee with concern that

Suggests seeing a future event with a sense of worry.

have a nagging feeling that

Implies a persistent, unsettling feeling about a potential future event.

FAQs

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

You can use "fear that" to express concern about a future event or outcome. For example, "I "fear that" the project will be delayed if we don't allocate more resources."

What are some alternatives to "fear that"?

Alternatives include "be afraid that", "worry that", or "be concerned that", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "fear that" considered formal or informal?

"Fear that" is generally considered more formal. In informal contexts, phrases like "I'm afraid that" or "I'm worried that" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "fear that" and "I'm afraid that"?

While both express apprehension, "fear that" is more formal. "I'm afraid that" is generally used in more casual or conversational settings to soften the expression of concern.