filled with foreboding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "filled with foreboding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling or atmosphere that suggests something bad or unpleasant is going to happen. Example: "The dark clouds rolling in were filled with foreboding, hinting at the storm that was about to break."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"I am filled with foreboding," he said.

The New York Times

Whereupon, as they looked ahead, some were filled with foreboding.

The Times

The speech said: "As I look ahead, I am filled with foreboding.

The Guardian

Mr. McQueen's most recent Twitter messages, which were removed after news of his death, were filled with foreboding.

The New York Times

But Ramadi's fall on May 15th has punctured that optimism, and the streets are again filled with foreboding.

The Economist

With this in mind, I am filled with foreboding about the possibility of bird flu striking in the United States.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The Mark Twainish "Mud," in which two boys living on a river make an alliance with a man in hiding (McConaughey again), demonstrates continued narrative and atmospheric mastery by the director Jeff Nichols, who made the filled-with-foreboding "Take Shelter," in 2011.

The New Yorker

PAGE B1 A LOOK AT NEW CD'S T Bone Burnett's "Tooth of Crime" is a moody new release filled with ominous foreboding and black humor, writes Jon Pareles.

The New York Times

It was also a novel filled with the forebodings of its narrator, Don Wanderhope, about an ailing lover, about his Chicago family, and, finally, about his daughter: What, I thought to myself as I gazed at [her], if anything should happen to that creature?

The New Yorker

It was also a novel filled with the forebodings of its narrator, Don Wanderhope, about an ailing lover, about his Chicago family, and, finally, about his daughter: **{:.break one} ** What, I thought to myself as I gazed at [her], if anything should happen to that creature?

The New Yorker

"We're filled with the deepest foreboding for those who remain in this last hellish corner" of eastern Aleppo, UN human rights office spokesman Rupert Colville told a news conference.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "filled with foreboding" to create a sense of suspense or tension in your writing. This phrase is effective in setting a mood of unease or hinting at negative future events.

Common error

Avoid using "filled with foreboding" to describe minor inconveniences or mild disappointments. This phrase carries a strong sense of impending doom, and overuse can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "filled with foreboding" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe a state of being imbued with a sense of impending doom or apprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "filled with foreboding" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to describe a state of being permeated with a sense of impending doom or apprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is adjectival, modifying nouns to convey unease and anticipation of negative events. The phrase is common in news, media, and encyclopedic contexts, suggesting a neutral register. While alternatives like "feeling apprehensive" or "sensing impending doom" exist, "filled with foreboding" maintains a distinct intensity, best reserved for situations where a palpable sense of dread is warranted. Its misuse in trivial scenarios should be avoided to preserve its impactful effect. The most frequent sources include authoritative names such as The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

filled with apprehension

A more formal synonym, highlighting anxiety about the future.

sensing impending doom

Focuses on the anticipation of a negative outcome.

feeling apprehensive

Focuses on the feeling of anxiety or unease about something that might happen.

feeling a sense of dread

Emphasizes the heavy and oppressive nature of the fear.

overcome with dread

Emphasizes the intensity of fear and anxiety.

seized by anxiety

Highlights the sudden onset and controlling nature of the feeling.

gripped by fear

Suggests a strong and inescapable feeling of fear.

experiencing trepidation

Uses a more formal term for fear and anxiety.

having misgivings

Implies doubts and anxieties about a future event or decision.

feeling uneasy

A milder alternative, suggesting a lack of comfort or security.

FAQs

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

The phrase "filled with foreboding" is used to describe a feeling of anxiety or apprehension about something that is going to happen. For example, "The silence before the storm was "filled with foreboding"."

What are some alternatives to "filled with foreboding"?

You can use alternatives such as "feeling apprehensive", "sensing impending doom", or "filled with apprehension" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "filled with foreboding" or "full of foreboding"?

Both "filled with foreboding" and "full of foreboding" are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What's the difference between "filled with foreboding" and "filled with fear"?

"Filled with foreboding" implies a sense of impending doom or a premonition of something bad about to happen. "Filled with fear" (/s/filled+with+fear) describes a present state of being afraid or frightened.