full of dread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "full of dread" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of intense fear or apprehension about something. Example: "As the storm approached, she felt a sense of foreboding, her heart full of dread at what might come next."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

It's full of dread.

The New Yorker

The music is full of dread and uneasiness.

The New Yorker

Calls that are at once hopeful and full of dread.

The Guardian

Was he full of dread at what would happen next?

The Guardian - Books

It's meant in the old sense, as in "full of dread; a harbinger" rather than simply rubbish.

The Guardian - Books

It's a very good novel anyway: moving, exciting, full of dread, angst, horror, lucidity… and a great love, I think, for mankind and for the artist's own self.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

In childhood, she was captivated by "Little Lord Fauntleroy," Frances Hodgson Burnett's story of a sunnily virtuous boy who melts a crusty old man's heart; it became a secret template of her own character as she hoped she might always manifest it — not sentimentally but in full awareness of dread.

The New Yorker

It's a film full of more dread than frights.

The New York Times - Arts

On one level, the show manages to play on a creepy, Wicker Man folk-horror feeling, full of unseen dread.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If the video makes it across the threshold of a few news cycles of late-night mockery, it will be because of those eyes, which give us, in just a few minutes, a full narrative arc of dread, desperation, decision, and regret.

The New Yorker

It is an exciting chapter, full of wit and dread, and perhaps attests to Bagnold's method of composition, as detailed in her autobiography: "I'm afflicted by images.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "full of dread" to vividly convey a sense of intense fear or foreboding, making sure the context supports such a strong emotion.

Common error

While "full of dread" is a powerful phrase, overusing it can diminish its impact. Use it judiciously to describe situations or emotions where the fear is genuinely profound and significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full of dread" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating that the subject is experiencing a significant level of fear or apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Books

25%

Film

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "full of dread" effectively conveys a potent sense of fear and foreboding. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Books, and Film. Its primary function is to describe an intense emotional state, and while the register is generally neutral, it can lean towards more formal settings. When using "full of dread", it's important to ensure that the context warrants such a strong emotion, and to avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Alternative phrases such as "filled with terror" or "consumed by anxiety" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

filled with terror

Emphasizes the intense fear and horror associated with the situation.

consumed by anxiety

Highlights the overwhelming feeling of worry and unease.

fraught with apprehension

Focuses on the anticipation of something negative or unpleasant.

overcome with fear

Stresses the overpowering nature of the fear.

gripped by foreboding

Implies a strong sense of impending doom or misfortune.

laden with unease

Suggests a heavy burden of discomfort and disquiet.

suffused with trepidation

Indicates a pervasive feeling of nervousness or agitation.

heavy with misgiving

Emphasizes the presence of doubt and distrust.

brimming with angst

Highlights the intense emotional distress and inner turmoil.

seized by panic

Indicates a sudden and overwhelming feeling of fear and helplessness.

FAQs

How can I use "full of dread" in a sentence?

You can use "full of dread" to describe a feeling of intense fear or apprehension. For example, "She was "full of dread" as she waited for the test results."

What are some synonyms for "full of dread"?

Some synonyms include "filled with terror", "consumed by anxiety", and "fraught with apprehension".

Is it more appropriate to say "full of dread" or "filled with dread"?

Both "full of dread" and "filled with dread" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably, although "full of dread" might sound slightly more literary.

What is the difference between "full of dread" and "a sense of dread"?

"Full of dread" describes a state of being completely consumed by fear, while "a sense of dread" refers to a more general feeling of apprehension or unease. The former is more intense and overwhelming.