fraught with fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fraught with fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or feeling that is filled with anxiety or apprehension. Example: "The atmosphere in the room was fraught with fear as the storm approached, leaving everyone on edge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The next several weeks were fraught with fear and pain.

The New York Times

Yes, evacuation during Hurricane Rita must have been fraught with fear, anxiety, confusion, tension.

The New York Times

Mr. Domeny's trip, from Budapest to Munich, was fraught with fear and anxiety.

The New York Times

The disparity illustrates the complicated nature of such cases, which are fraught with fear, emotion and family politics.

The New York Times

In fact, his tradition of peace, love, gentleness and compassion need to be revived more than ever, in a world fraught with fear.

Independent

Under the constant threat of police harassment and possible detention, even simple daily outings — running errands, driving to work, grocery shopping, taking your child to the doctor — become fraught with fear and very real risk.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Politics remains fragmented and fraught with fears and suspicions.

The Economist

As important, in a country fraught with fears of a broader civil war, Homs may be emerging as an example to the rest of Syria of the relative success of fighting back against a military that, while still unified, has suffered more defections as fighting persists and more than 3,000 civilians have been killed.

The New York Times

Peacetime, however, is as fraught with anxiety, fear and disorientation as wartime.

The Guardian - Books

The monkish habit itself is fraught with potential fear – it's unsurprising that so many ghost stories feature an unquiet brother, hooded and menacing.

The Guardian - Books

Contrast the two Roys, both of them obsessed: one, played by Richard Dreyfuss, in "Close Encounters," his face lifted eagerly toward the miraculous, and the other, in "Midnight Special," his features fraught with the fear that, though the world might be saved, he could yet lose his son.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fraught with fear", ensure the context clearly establishes the source or cause of the fear to enhance the reader's understanding. For instance, specify what makes a situation "fraught with fear".

Common error

Avoid using "fraught with fear" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "scary" or "anxious" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fraught with fear" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is filled with or characterized by fear. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing journeys, situations, and even abstract concepts like grief.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fraught with fear" is a descriptive phrase that conveys a strong sense of anxiety and apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While not overly common, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts and carries a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the source of the fear, and consider simpler alternatives for informal settings. Ultimately, "fraught with fear" effectively communicates a state of being filled with anxiety, especially in more formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

filled with dread

Replaces "fear" with "dread", emphasizing a more intense and prolonged sense of apprehension.

laden with anxiety

Substitutes "fraught" with "laden" and "fear" with "anxiety", focusing on worry and unease.

replete with apprehension

Uses "replete" instead of "fraught" and "apprehension" instead of "fear", offering a more formal and literary tone.

teeming with terror

Replaces "fraught" with "teeming" and "fear" with "terror", intensifying the sense of alarm.

characterized by alarm

Offers a more descriptive alternative, focusing on the presence of alarm as a defining characteristic.

dominated by anxiety

Highlights anxiety as the dominant emotion, rather than just a component of the situation.

underlying fear

It is less intense alternative, describing a more basic or hidden fear.

tinged with trepidation

Emphasizes a slight or subtle sense of fear and hesitation.

beset by worries

Focuses on being troubled or attacked by anxieties and concerns.

colored by unease

Suggests that the situation is subtly influenced by a lack of comfort or security.

FAQs

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

You can use "fraught with fear" to describe situations or experiences filled with anxiety and apprehension. For example, "The journey through the dark forest was "fraught with fear"."

What are some alternatives to "fraught with fear"?

Alternatives include "filled with dread", "laden with anxiety", or "replete with apprehension", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "fraught with fear" formal or informal?

"Fraught with fear" leans toward a more formal register. In informal contexts, simpler terms like "scary" or "anxious" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "fraught with fear" and "full of fear"?

"Fraught with fear" suggests that the situation is not only characterized by fear but also creates it. "Full of fear" simply means that the situation includes or contains fear, without necessarily implying causation. "Fraught" suggests a more intrinsic and impactful presence of fear than "full".