for fear of missing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for fear of missing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing concern about the possibility of not experiencing or obtaining something important. Example: "She stayed up all night for fear of missing the announcement about the job openings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

On the subway, she always stands, and never reads, for fear of missing her stop.

The New Yorker

I refused to go to the hospital for fear of missing the show.

The New York Times

Many families sleep in one room together for fear of missing an alarm.

The New York Times

Jeffrey Mordos was one of many advertising executives who stayed home for fear of missing the commercials.

The New York Times - Sports

He deftly raises the stakes until the audience dares not breathe for fear of missing a plot point.

The New Yorker

Wrapped in a towel, Blanchard refused to take his post-game shower for fear of missing out on this appointment.

The Guardian - Sport

He replied, "You can't look away for fear of missing a live nervous breakdown on your home screen".

The New York Times - Arts

He said he could never read a book on a train for fear of missing something outside the window.

The Guardian - Arts

"It's a New York thing — FOMO," said Brianne Chai-Onn, 34, using the acronym for "fear of missing out".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

And it pinpointed several popular Internet abbreviations, including "FOMO," which stands for the "fear of missing out" and "tl dr," which stands for "too long; didn't read".

The New York Times

The major issue with non-specialists sending the test requests is that they perform defensive testing rather than targeted testing for the fear of missing out the diagnosis [ 14].

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for fear of missing" to clearly express that an action is taken specifically to prevent overlooking or not experiencing something significant. Ensure the context highlights the potential negative consequence of missing out.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "for fear of missing" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "just in case" or "to make sure" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for fear of missing" functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose, explaining the reason or motivation behind an action. It indicates that something is done to avoid the negative consequence of overlooking or not experiencing something important. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for fear of missing" is a versatile expression used to convey the reason behind an action, emphasizing the desire to avoid overlooking something significant. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in written English. It is particularly common in News & Media, where it describes situations involving precaution and proactive measures. While grammatically sound and frequently used, it might sound overly formal in casual conversations. Alternatives like "to avoid overlooking" or "in order not to miss" can be used depending on the context. Be mindful of the level of formality and the potential for simpler alternatives in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of concern for missing

Highlights the worry that motivates the action, focusing on concern.

in order not to miss

Highlights the intention behind the action taken, focusing on purpose.

so that one doesn't miss

Directly states the intention to prevent missing something.

to ensure not missing

Emphasizes the proactive effort to guarantee inclusion or awareness.

so as not to overlook

Similar to "to avoid overlooking", but with a slightly more formal tone.

to avoid overlooking

Focuses on the action of preventing oversight, without necessarily implying fear.

lest one should miss

A more formal and literary way of expressing the same concern.

on the off chance of missing

Suggests a lower probability of missing, but still worth considering.

at the risk of missing

Emphasizes the potential negative consequence of missing something.

to preclude the possibility of missing

A more emphatic and formal way of expressing a desire to avoid missing something.

FAQs

How can I use "for fear of missing" in a sentence?

Use "for fear of missing" to indicate that someone is taking a specific action to avoid missing something important. For example: "She stayed up all night "for fear of missing" the announcement."

What are some alternatives to "for fear of missing"?

You can use alternatives like "to avoid overlooking", "in order not to miss", or "out of concern for missing" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "for fear of missing out" instead of simply "for fear of missing"?

No, it isn't. "For fear of missing" is perfectly acceptable and grammatically correct. The addition of "out" is dependent on the context and what you're afraid of missing. The use of "out" is more common when referring to social events or opportunities.

What is the difference between "for fear of" and "for fear of missing"?

"For fear of" is a broader phrase that introduces a reason for apprehension or caution. "For fear of missing" is more specific, indicating concern about not experiencing or obtaining something valuable. You always need to add something after "missing".