feel fear

USAGE SUMMARY

"feel fear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an emotional response to a situation. For example: "When he heard the loud noise, he felt fear wash over him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We all feel fear.

The New Yorker

I feel fear and anxiety.

The New York Times

Sometimes I feel fear.

The Guardian - Tech

They feel fear.

The Guardian

"Do you feel fear?" Mr. Cuomo retorted.

The New York Times

I feel fear for myself".

The Guardian

"I feel fear," he said.

The New York Times

I could feel fear developing into hatred.

University of Pennsylvania

You will probably not feel fear.

Princeton University

I know many Americans feel fear today.

The New York Times

To feel fear and make mistakes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel fear" to express a direct and personal experience of fear. It's suitable for describing both momentary and prolonged feelings of apprehension.

Common error

While "feel fear" is widely understood, overuse in formal or academic writing can sound simplistic. Consider more nuanced alternatives like "experience apprehension" or "sense unease" to convey sophistication and precision in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel fear" primarily functions as a verb phrase where 'feel' acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the noun 'fear', which serves as the subject complement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel fear" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the personal experience of being afraid. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used and understood. Analysis of various sources shows that it frequently appears in news and media, as well as academic contexts. While generally neutral in register, more formal settings may benefit from considering alternatives like "experience apprehension" or "sense unease". It's important to use "feel fear" to directly convey an emotional state and recognize contexts where it might be more appropriate to choose a more nuanced alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be scared

An informal synonym for "feel fear", suitable for casual contexts.

be frightened

A simple and direct synonym, indicating a state of being scared.

sense dread

Implies a strong feeling of anxiety or fear about something that might happen.

experience trepidation

Uses a more formal term for fear, suggesting a sense of apprehension about something in the future.

succumb to panic

Suggests a loss of control due to overwhelming fear.

be gripped by terror

Conveys a more intense and overwhelming fear than the original phrase.

be apprehensive

Expresses a mild form of fear or anxiety, often about a specific event.

experience a scare

Focuses on a specific instance of feeling fear, often sudden or unexpected.

harbor anxieties

Focuses on the persistent nature of fear and worry.

be in a state of alarm

Indicates a heightened sense of fear and alertness, often in response to an immediate threat.

FAQs

What does it mean to "feel fear"?

To "feel fear" means to experience the emotional and physiological responses associated with perceiving danger or threat. It's a fundamental human emotion that serves as a protective mechanism.

What are some synonyms for "feel fear"?

You can use alternatives like "be frightened", "sense dread", or "experience trepidation" depending on the context and intensity you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am feeling fear"?

Yes, "I am feeling fear" is grammatically correct, using the present continuous tense to describe an ongoing experience of fear. However, "I feel fear" is also correct and often preferred for its simplicity.

How does "feel fear" differ from "be afraid"?

"Feel fear" emphasizes the subjective experience of the emotion, while "be afraid" focuses more on the state of being in a fearful condition. They are often interchangeable, but "feel fear" can sometimes imply a more immediate or intense experience.