fears are growing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fears are growing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an increasing sense of anxiety or concern about a particular situation or issue. Example: "As the deadline approaches, fears are growing among the team about the project's feasibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fears are growing about the political effects of that clout.

The Economist

Fears are growing here that simmering ethnic resentments could resurface.

The New York Times

Fears are growing for hundreds more still missing.

The Guardian

Fears are growing that Greece will therefore default, precipitating the country's exit from the eurozone.

The Guardian - Business

What's more, fears are growing that the economy could slow again in the fourth quarter.

The New York Times

Fears are growing that jihadists may emerge as the strongest among the rebel factions.

The Economist

Fears are growing that companies and factories will stray to other states.

The New York Times

Fears are growing that Shabab suicide-bombers may hit neighbouring Ethiopia and Kenya.

The Economist

Fears are growing that the declining international presence is already fuelling the Islamist insurgency.

The Guardian

Fears are growing for the future of the North Lincolnshire plant.

The Guardian - Business

In Africa, meanwhile, fears are growing of a global yellow fever epidemic as vaccine stocks dwindle.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fears are growing", clearly specify the object of the fear to provide context and impact. For example, "Fears are growing that the economic downturn will worsen."

Common error

Avoid using "fears are growing" excessively in contexts where evidence is lacking, as this can create unnecessary alarm and weaken the credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

"Fears are growing" functions as an introductory phrase to highlight increasing apprehension or anxiety about a specific situation or potential outcome. Ludwig AI confirms that it's usable to introduce a rising sense of concern.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fears are growing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate an increasing sense of worry or apprehension, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, specify the cause of the fear to maximize clarity and impact. Alternatives like "concerns are escalating" or "worries are mounting" can offer subtle differences in nuance. Be mindful of overuse, especially in sensationalized writing, to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concerns are escalating

Emphasizes a rapid increase in concerns.

worries are mounting

Highlights the accumulation of worries.

apprehension is rising

Focuses on an increase in feelings of unease.

anxieties are intensifying

Stresses the strengthening of anxious feelings.

unease is spreading

Highlights the expansion of a feeling of discomfort or worry.

trepidation is increasing

Emphasizes a growing sense of fear or alarm.

alarm is spreading

Highlights the expansion of alarm.

dread is building

Focuses on the gradual accumulation of dread.

pessimism is deepening

Highlights the strengthening of pessimistic views.

disquiet is emerging

Focuses on the appearance of worry and unease.

FAQs

What does "fears are growing" mean?

The phrase "fears are growing" signifies an increase in the level of worry, anxiety, or apprehension about a particular situation or event. It suggests that more people are becoming concerned, or that existing concerns are becoming more intense.

How can I use "fears are growing" in a sentence?

You can use the phrase to introduce a concern or potential negative outcome. For example, "Fears are growing that the company will go bankrupt", or "fears are growing about the environmental impact".

What can I say instead of "fears are growing"?

You can use alternatives like "concerns are escalating", "worries are mounting", or "apprehension is rising" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "fears are raising" instead of "fears are growing"?

No, "fears are raising" is not a standard or grammatically correct phrase. The correct and commonly used phrase is "fears are growing" to indicate an increase in worry or anxiety.