fraught by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fraught by" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to be filled or accompanied by something that causes anxiety, worry, or tension. It is often used to describe a difficult or problematic situation. Example: The company's financial future was fraught by the recent economic downturn.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

It's politically fraught by its very nature.

The Washington Post

Weddings, all family extravaganzas, are emotionally fraught by definition.

The New York Times - Food

The post-Gaddafi road ahead for Libya is fraught by any estimate.

The Guardian - Opinion

And it's a disagreement that has been made yet more fraught by the political concerns that often underlie it.

The Guardian

Much is said about integrating new Muslim populations, and that question has become increasingly fraught by being unhelpfully conflated with the fear of terrorism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Few places demonstrate that more than Mexico City, where this most fundamental of elements flows through a system that grows more complex and more fraught by the day.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

At Dance Theatre Workshop, the company performs two new pieces, a duet to Rachmaninov about a fraught relationship (by Ortiz) and an ensemble piece (by Thomas) set to samplings of rock guitar, pop, and Japanese drums and filled with parallel and crisscrossing movement, which explores boundaries between groups of people.

The New Yorker

"I know she is trying to frame this as a power grab by Jon," he said, as if distancing himself from an emotionally fraught situation by speaking of himself in the third person.

The New York Times

As a collaboration "Breathing" owes much to the balanced compositions, lucid imagery and judicious use of color executed by Mr. Gschlacht, who brought a similarly clear gaze to morally fraught work by other Austrian directors (Götz Spielmann's "Revanche," Jessica Hausner's "Lourdes," Michael Glawogger's "Slumming").

The New York Times

Even the notion of healing itself has become politically fraught, viewed by some as a premature call to return to business as usual.

The New York Times

It was another controlled, calculated – if ultimately fraught – race by the German to bring him the title he has always coveted.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fraught by" to emphasize that a situation is not just filled with something, but that the 'something' causes significant anxiety, difficulty, or tension. This adds a layer of depth to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "fraught by" when a simpler term like "filled with" or "characterized by" would suffice. "Fraught by" implies a high degree of stress or difficulty. Overusing it can weaken its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fraught by" functions as a modifier, specifically used to describe a noun as being filled with or characterized by something undesirable, such as difficulties or tension. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fraught by" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that emphasizes the presence of difficulties, tension, or anxiety within a described situation. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase effectively conveys a sense of concern or challenge. It appears most frequently in news and media, scientific, and academic contexts, suggesting a formal register. When using "fraught by", remember to reserve it for situations where the challenges are significant, avoiding overuse to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "plagued by" or "filled with" to provide different nuances or emphasize different aspects of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plagued by

Specifically indicates that something is consistently troubled or affected negatively by something.

beset by

A more formal way of saying 'plagued by', also suggesting persistent problems.

filled with

Offers a more general way to describe something containing a specific element, losing the negative connotation of "fraught".

complicated by

Focuses on the complexity introduced by something, rather than the anxiety or worry.

marked by

Similar to characterized by, but highlights the impact the featured element has on the whole.

characterized by

Indicates that something is a typical feature, but doesn't necessarily imply difficulty or anxiety.

riddled with

Implies something is extensively affected by something, often negative, but doesn't necessarily convey anxiety.

attended by

Suggests that something accompanies something else, but it may not always imply difficulty or worry.

laden with

Suggests that something is heavily burdened with something else, but not necessarily in a negative or anxious way.

threatened by

Highlights the potential danger posed by something, shifting the focus from anxiety to direct threat.

FAQs

How can I use "fraught by" in a sentence?

Use "fraught by" to describe situations or experiences filled with tension, anxiety, or difficulty. For instance, "The negotiation was fraught by disagreements" indicates a tense and challenging negotiation process.

What are some alternatives to "fraught by"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "filled with", "characterized by", or "plagued by". Each alternative conveys a slightly different nuance.

What is the difference between "fraught by" and "characterized by"?

"Characterized by" simply indicates a typical feature or quality, while "fraught by" implies that the situation is filled with tension, difficulty, or anxiety. "Fraught by" carries a stronger negative connotation.

Is "fraught by" formal or informal language?

"Fraught by" is generally considered formal language, suitable for academic, professional, or news-related contexts. It adds a level of sophistication and emphasis to your writing.