feeling of dread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'feeling of dread' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an intense feeling of fear or worry. For example: As I walked down the dark alley, I felt a deep feeling of dread come over me.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or do you drag your feet and feel weighed down by that feeling of dread that's tugging at your heart?

Huffington Post

Beneath the veneer of tranquillity, a feeling of dread prevails.

The New York Times

Did something particular trigger this feeling of dread and anxiety?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Nothing that she ever says, in the end, is as bad as that feeling of dread.

The New Yorker

"I just gag," Mr. Bloomberg said, recalling his feeling of dread.

The New York Times

You don't quite catch the word, but you have a feeling of dread.

The New York Times

"You always get a feeling of dread when somebody whom you like hands you a script.

Independent

Anxiety, a feeling of dread, fear, or apprehension, often with no clear justification.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A feeling of dread shrouded his parents' home at 14 Lansdowne Crescent in Glasgow's West End.

Independent

With the Giants this season, a feeling of dread comes with the package.

The New York Times - Sports

The question was: how do you create a feeling of dread and suspense?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "feeling of dread", consider the specific context and choose other words in your sentence that amplify the effect. For instance, pairing it with vivid sensory details or descriptions of physical reactions can make the feeling more palpable for the reader.

Common error

While "feeling of dread" is a powerful phrase, overuse can diminish its impact. Avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "sense of foreboding" or "anxiety" to maintain reader engagement and prevent the writing from becoming monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling of dread" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes an emotional state. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, often used to describe intense fear or worry, as exemplified by the provided Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feeling of dread" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase to articulate an intense sense of fear, anxiety, or impending doom. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in English writing. It appears most often in News & Media, though its use spans a range of contexts, maintaining a neutral formality. For alternative expressions, one could consider "sense of foreboding" or simply "anxiety", depending on the desired shade of meaning. Remember to avoid overuse to maximize its impact and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense of foreboding

Emphasizes an anticipation of future misfortune.

anxiety

Focuses on the psychological and physiological state of worry.

unease

Suggests a mild discomfort or anxiety.

apprehension

Highlights the anticipation of something unpleasant.

fear

A more intense emotional response to a perceived threat.

trepidation

Implies a cautious or fearful approach.

alarm

Focuses on sudden awareness of danger.

panic

An overwhelming feeling of fear and helplessness.

terror

The most extreme form of fear.

angst

A profound feeling of anxiety and uncertainty about the world.

FAQs

How can I use "feeling of dread" in a sentence?

You can use "feeling of dread" to describe a sense of impending doom or intense anxiety. For example: "As the storm clouds gathered, a "feeling of dread" washed over the town".

What are some alternatives to "feeling of dread"?

Alternatives include "sense of foreboding", "anxiety", or "apprehension", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a feeling of dread"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Feeling" is a noun, "of" is a preposition, and "dread" is another noun acting as the object of the preposition, forming a standard noun phrase.

What's the difference between "feeling of dread" and "sense of dread"?

While very similar, "feeling of dread" emphasizes the emotional experience, while "sense of dread" can also imply an intuitive understanding or perception of impending danger. The two phrases are often interchangeable.