filled with fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "filled with fear" is correct and can be used in written English.
Example: As the dark figure slowly approached her, Sarah's whole body was filled with fear.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sometimes you're filled with fear.

The New York Times - Magazine

And listening to official responses I am filled with fear.

The Guardian

But we were also filled with fear and dread.

The New York Times - Magazine

Brown said that King was "filled with fear, suspicion, conspiracy".

The New Yorker

His warm affect shifts; his glance is filled with fear.

The New York Times - Magazine

As happy as we were to be expecting, I was filled with fear and trepidation.

The New York Times

I, unbiased but frequently baffled narrator, Mr Lockwood, was filled with fear.

The Guardian - Opinion

In her outburst, Mrs. Kimes said she was filled with fear.

The New York Times

The centurion and those with him watch the surrounding tumult and are filled with fear, the Evangelist relates.

The New York Times - Arts

He was filled with fear, but the wizard ordered him to go on witnessing the ceremony of his death.

The New Yorker

Growing up in a mentally ill, violent, addiction-riddled home with Catholicism lurking, I was filled with fear.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "filled with fear" to vividly depict a character's emotional state or the atmosphere of a scene, making the fear palpable to the reader. This phrase works well in both narrative and descriptive writing.

Common error

Avoid using "filled with fear" in situations that require a more nuanced expression of apprehension or concern. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing seem melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "filled with fear" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being intensely afraid. Ludwig AI confirms that this is grammatically correct.

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, the phrase "filled with fear" is a grammatically correct and common way to express a state of intense fear. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its frequency is high across various sources, particularly in news and media. While versatile, consider the context to ensure its intensity aligns with your intended message. Alternatives like "consumed by fear" or "gripped by terror" offer nuanced ways to convey similar feelings. Avoid overuse to maintain its impact. By understanding its proper usage, you can effectively communicate the emotional depth of fear in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consumed by fear

Focuses on the overwhelming nature of fear, suggesting it dominates one's thoughts or actions.

gripped by terror

Emphasizes the sudden and powerful hold that fear has on someone.

overcome with dread

Highlights the anticipatory anxiety and unease associated with fear.

in a state of fright

Describes the condition of being scared or alarmed.

petrified with fear

Suggests an intense level of fear that renders one motionless.

scared stiff

An informal way of saying someone is extremely frightened.

anxious and afraid

Conveys a general feeling of worry and apprehension.

apprehensive about

Focuses on being uneasy or worried about something specific.

worried sick

Implies a high degree of worry and distress.

uneasy and fearful

Describes a state of discomfort and apprehension.

FAQs

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

You can use "filled with fear" to describe someone's internal emotional state, such as "As the storm raged outside, the children were "filled with fear"".

What are some alternatives to "filled with fear"?

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

Is "filled with fear" formal or informal?

"Filled with fear" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The surrounding language will influence the overall formality.

What is the difference between "filled with fear" and "scared"?

"Filled with fear" suggests a more intense and pervasive experience of fear, while "scared" is a more general and potentially milder term. You might be "scared" by a sudden noise, but "filled with fear" implies a deeper, more overwhelming sense of dread.