fearful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fearful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being afraid or anxious about something. Example: "She felt fearful as she approached the dark alley, unsure of what might be lurking in the shadows."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But when equally unacceptable views or practices have come from someone who isn't white, we've been too cautious, frankly even fearful, to stand up to them".

The New York Times

Whichever view you take, multicultural and tolerant or disapproving and fearful, the awkward fact is that we have not been breeding fast enough (or young enough) to keep society functioning without outside help, let alone educating ourselves to the levels a post-industrial economy is going to need.

The Guardian

"The last thing we want to do is to make people panic or fearful but I think we need to have a very considered approach in terms of Australia's role in treating this particular problem and its global response," said the AMA president, Brian Owler.

The Guardian

Fearful of change, Mike Brearley and his English side not only baulked at innovations such as the new limited overs fielding restrictions, but refused to don the new "pyjamas".

The Guardian - Sport

The fearful prospect of a British government being bent to the will of the Scottish National party may well have been the biggest single cause of Labour's rout at the polls, but this week I heard an interesting variation on the theme.

The Guardian - Opinion

And parents who reported the violation of their children were often fearful lest they themselves be seen to be damaging the church they loved.

The Guardian

If you show your child you are anxious, will they grow up to be fearful too?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It may seem incredibly obvious that anxious parents make their children fearful: scream if you see a spider and it's likely your child will, too.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Senior figures in Whitehall and Downing Street became so fearful that the Scottish independence referendum could lead to the breakup of the United Kingdom that the Queen was asked to make a rare public intervention in the final days of the campaign.

The Guardian

I stayed at home for a short time, fearful that I would be detained again.

The Guardian

Now, finally, their house is evacuated and they are on the move, always fearful of another attack.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's emotional state, use "fearful" to convey a sense of apprehension or dread, emphasizing their vulnerability.

Common error

Avoid using "fearful" to describe places directly; instead, focus on the elements that inspire fear, such as "a frightening alley" rather than "a fearful alley".

Linguistic Context

The adjective "fearful" primarily functions to describe a state of being filled with fear or anxiety. It can also describe something that causes fear. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Opinion

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "fearful" is an adjective primarily used to describe a state of being afraid or something that causes fear. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate and frequent usage across various contexts, especially in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it can convey a sense of apprehension or dread. To avoid misuse, remember that "fearful" should primarily describe the emotional state of a subject or the characteristic of a subject that creates fear rather than the setting or circumstance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

afraid

Indicates a basic state of being scared or apprehensive; a direct synonym.

apprehensive

Suggests anxiety or unease about a future event or possibility.

anxious

Implies worry and nervousness, often about something with an uncertain outcome.

frightened

Signifies a sudden, intense fear or alarm.

scared

A more informal term for being afraid or frightened.

worried

Expresses concern and anxiety about potential problems or difficulties.

timid

Describes a lack of courage or confidence, often due to fear.

trepidatious

A formal way of saying apprehensive.

terrified

Indicates extreme fear; stronger than frightened.

intimidated

Implies a feeling of being threatened or overawed, leading to fear.

FAQs

How can I use "fearful" in a sentence?

You can use "fearful" to describe someone who is experiencing fear, such as "She was "fearful" of the dark" or to describe something that causes fear, such as "The "fearful" prospect of war loomed large".

What are some synonyms for "fearful"?

Some synonyms for "fearful" include "afraid", "apprehensive", "anxious", "frightened", and "scared". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "fearful" the same as "fearsome"?

"Fearful" describes someone who experiences fear, while "fearsome" describes something that inspires fear. A person can be "fearful" of a "fearsome" dragon.

Can "fearful" be used to describe something positive?

While rare, "fearful" can sometimes be used hyperbolically to describe something impressive or awe-inspiring, though this usage is less common than its association with negative emotions.