filled with dread

USAGE SUMMARY

"filled with dread" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of intense anxiety or fear. For example: "The soldier was filled with dread as he approached the front lines of battle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was filled with dread and horror!

The New York Times

I was filled with dread.

The New York Times

Do you welcome it or are you filled with dread?

The New York Times

As we approach the conventions, I'm filled with dread.

The New York Times

Why, in the face of this giddy chatter, was I filled with dread?

The New York Times - Magazine

Before 10 a.m. on another cold Thursday, Monica Diaz stirred in her tent, filled with dread.

The Washington Post

Its passengers filled with dread, the ship headed back to Europe on June 6.

The New York Times

FOR many bridegrooms, planning a wedding is an exercise filled with dread.

The New York Times

"Aham, I need you to get my registration," I said as his face filled with dread.

The Guardian - Opinion

Filled with dread at the prospect of a show without them, the internet has spasmed.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

As the first anniversary of the attack draws close, Ms. Torres is filled with dread.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "filled with dread" to effectively convey a strong sense of apprehension or fear about something imminent or potentially negative. Consider the context to ensure it aligns with the gravity of the feeling.

Common error

Avoid using "filled with dread" in situations that warrant only mild concern or worry. Using it inappropriately can diminish its impact and sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "filled with dread" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being overwhelmed by intense fear or apprehension. It describes a subject's emotional state. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "filled with dread" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express intense fear or apprehension. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. It appears most commonly in News & Media sources, and while its register is generally neutral, writers should be mindful of using it in contexts that genuinely warrant such a strong emotion. Alternatives like "overcome with fear" or "consumed by anxiety" can be considered for nuanced expression. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to convey a profound sense of foreboding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overcome with fear

Changes the focus from dread to a more general sense of fear, suggesting a strong emotional impact.

consumed by anxiety

Shifts the emotion to anxiety, implying a state of worry and unease that dominates one's thoughts.

gripped by terror

Emphasizes the intensity of fear, suggesting a sudden and overwhelming experience of terror.

apprehensive about

Indicates a feeling of worry or unease about a future event or situation.

beset by foreboding

Suggests a sense of impending doom or misfortune, a feeling that something bad is about to happen.

fraught with anxiety

Emphasizes the presence of anxiety in a situation, making it a central characteristic.

weighed down by worry

Focuses on the burden of worry, suggesting a heavy emotional load.

suffering from trepidation

Highlights the experience of anxiety, implying a state of distress caused by fear.

anxious and fearful

Combines anxiety and fear to express a state of worry and apprehension.

worried sick

Implies extreme worry to the point of physical or mental exhaustion.

FAQs

How can I use "filled with dread" in a sentence?

You can use "filled with dread" to describe a feeling of intense fear or apprehension, as in "She was "filled with dread" as she awaited the test results".

What are some alternatives to "filled with dread"?

Alternatives include "overcome with fear", "consumed by anxiety", or "gripped by terror", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "filled with dread" or "full of dread"?

"Filled with dread" and "full of dread" are both acceptable, but "filled with dread" is slightly more common in contemporary usage. Both effectively communicate a strong feeling of apprehension.

When should I use "filled with dread" instead of a simpler term like "afraid"?

Use "filled with dread" when you want to emphasize the intensity and overwhelming nature of the fear. It conveys a stronger emotional impact than simply saying someone is "afraid".