for fear that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for fear that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express fear or potential adverse consequences of a situation, or to express one's feeling of caution or apprehension about something. Example sentence: She did not want to take the risk, for fear that it might lead to even greater losses.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Specifically, he gave a prescription for fear that is dangerous.

Huffington Post

Can't get it together for fear that he's dyin'.

The New Yorker

The queen became hysterical for fear that he would die.

The New Yorker

Sharon had balked, for fear that she'd be starving him.

The New Yorker

Don't name the Devil for fear that you'll summon him.

The Guardian

I am always scared to make friends for fear that I won't be accepted or liked.

Columbia University

Qatar imposed a moratorium in 2005 for fear that rapid production could damage the reservoir.

The New York Times

They dare not return home for fear that the government's hired hands will kill them.

The Economist

He was anxious about sharing his observation, for fear that no one would believe him.

The Economist

He says they want a car now for fear that restrictions might be imposed later.

The Economist

Hansbrough does not like working out with coaches for fear that they will alter his routine.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for fear that" to clearly express the reason behind an action or decision, emphasizing the potential negative consequences being avoided. This clarifies motivations and adds a layer of caution to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "for fear that" in very informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. In casual conversations or less formal writing, simpler alternatives like "because I was worried that" or "in case" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for fear that" functions as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a clause that expresses the reason or cause for the action in the main clause. Ludwig's examples show its use in explaining motivations rooted in apprehension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for fear that" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the reason behind an action, highlighting a potential negative outcome that one wishes to avoid. Ludwig AI indicates that its grammatical structure is correct. While frequently used in news and media, academia, and formal writing, it's important to consider context and choose more casual alternatives like "in case" or "worried that" in informal settings. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use "for fear that" to add depth and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worried that

A more direct and simple expression of worry.

out of concern that

Directly expresses worry as the motivation for an action.

anxious that

Conveys anxiety or unease about a potential outcome.

on the apprehension that

A more formal way to indicate worry or anxiety about something.

lest

A more formal and concise way to express the same concern, often used in literary contexts.

dreading that

Emphasizes the feeling of dread or intense fear about something.

in case

Focuses more on preparedness and anticipation of a possible event, rather than fear.

so as not to

Focuses on the intention to avoid a particular result.

for the sake of avoiding

Highlights the intention to prevent something undesirable from happening.

to prevent the possibility of

Emphasizes the act of preventing a potential occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "for fear that" in a sentence?

The phrase "for fear that" is used to indicate the reason for someone's action, highlighting their concern or apprehension about a potential negative outcome. For example, "They stayed indoors, "for fear that" the storm would worsen."

What are some alternatives to "for fear that"?

You can use alternatives like "lest", "in case", or "out of concern that" depending on the context. Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance but conveys a similar meaning of caution or worry. The alternative is "worried that".

Is "for fear that" more formal than "because I was worried that"?

Yes, "for fear that" is generally more formal and is often used in written rather than spoken English. "Because I was worried that" is a more casual and direct alternative suitable for informal contexts.

Can I start a sentence with "for fear that"?

While grammatically possible, starting a sentence with "for fear that" is less common and might sound awkward. It's usually better to place it within the sentence to explain the reason for an action or decision. For instance, instead of "For fear that it would rain, I took an umbrella", a better phrasing is "I took an umbrella, "for fear that" it would rain".