full of fear

USAGE SUMMARY

'full of fear' is an acceptable and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone feeling intense fear or dread in a particular situation. For example, "The child was feeling full of fear as they stepped onto the stage for their performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm full of fear.

The New York Times - Magazine

They are so full of fear.

The New Yorker

Or, even worse, full of fear.

The New York Times - Magazine

"This lot aren't full of fear.

The Guardian - Opinion

The true stories are full of fear, courage and resilience.

The New York Times

I became a shell, empty and full of fear.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The world will be full of fear", the message said.

The Guardian - Film

"I was so full of fear and worry".

The New York Times - Magazine

You can't express yourself if you're full of fear.

The Guardian - Sport

I didn't realize it then, but I was full of fear.

Harvard University

"The perception of the law is a lot more full of fear than the reality".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "full of fear" to vividly describe a character's emotional state or the atmosphere of a scene, adding depth and intensity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid repeating "full of fear" too frequently within a short passage. Vary your descriptions with synonyms or related expressions to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full of fear" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being dominated by fear. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a standard and acceptable usage in English. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its use in describing both people and environments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "full of fear" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a state of intense fear or anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in written English. With its prevalence in News & Media, it's suitable for various contexts, though overuse should be avoided to maintain writing quality. Alternatives like "consumed by fear" or "gripped by terror" can offer nuanced expressions of the same emotion. Using "full of fear" effectively involves considering the desired intensity and the overall tone of the writing. The phrase serves to amplify the emotional impact, making it a valuable tool for descriptive and evocative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consumed by fear

This alternative suggests a state where fear dominates one's thoughts and actions.

gripped by terror

Implies a sudden and intense experience of fear, often paralyzing.

overwhelmed with dread

Focuses on the anticipatory anxiety and apprehension of something unpleasant.

paralyzed by fear

Highlights the immobilizing effect of intense fear.

filled with trepidation

Emphasizes a feeling of anxiety or unease about something that might happen.

in a state of panic

Describes an overwhelming sense of anxiety and disorientation.

scared stiff

An informal way to describe being very frightened.

terrified

A simpler, more direct way to express being very afraid.

apprehensive

Suggests a more moderate level of anxiety or unease.

anxious

A general term for feeling worried, nervous, or uneasy.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "full of fear" in a sentence?

Use "full of fear" to describe a character's internal state or the overall atmosphere of a scene. For example, "The streets were "full of fear", nobody wanted to go out" or "I was "full of fear", worried about her injuries".

What are some alternatives to "full of fear"?

Alternatives include "consumed by fear", "gripped by terror", or "overwhelmed with dread". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "full of fear"?

Yes, "full of fear" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English.

Which is more impactful, "full of fear" or "afraid"?

"Full of fear" often conveys a more intense and overwhelming sense of fear compared to simply saying "afraid". The choice depends on the desired level of emotional intensity in your writing.