genuine fear

USAGE SUMMARY

"genuine fear" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, you could use it in a sentence such as: "The boy’s face was pale with genuine fear as the thunderstorm approached."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a genuine fear.

Independent

Confidence plummets and genuine fear kicks in.

Independent

That's genuine fear and apprehension in Nicholson's eyes.

Independent

At the same time, I felt genuine fear for her.

The New York Times

That was a real and genuine fear to me.

The Guardian

She is in genuine fear for her life.

The Guardian

I lived in genuine fear of being found out.

The Guardian - Opinion

But many Poles still harbour a genuine fear of being overrun, once again.

The Economist

"We believe that those who fail to establish a genuine fear of persecution should return home.

Independent

That reflects a genuine fear that the company may go bust.

The Economist

"For years there's been a genuine fear of speaking out in Miami," says Mr Saladrigas.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "genuine fear" to convey authentic and deeply felt apprehension, especially in situations where the emotion's sincerity is crucial to the context. For added impact, consider pairing it with vivid descriptions of the circumstances causing the fear.

Common error

Avoid using "genuine fear" to exaggerate mild discomfort or trivial anxieties. Reserve it for situations where the fear is significant and justifiable to maintain credibility and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "genuine fear" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "genuine" modifies the noun "fear", intensifying its authenticity and sincerity. Ludwig provides examples across various contexts, confirming its versatile use in expressing real and deeply felt apprehension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "genuine fear" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase used to express a true and authentic sense of alarm or apprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, although most commonly found in news and media. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context genuinely supports a significant level of fear to avoid exaggeration. Alternatives such as "real dread" or "sincere apprehension" can offer nuanced variations depending on the intended emphasis. Remember to use "genuine fear" judiciously to maintain the impact and credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

real dread

Emphasizes the intensity and authenticity of the fear, focusing on the dread aspect.

authentic terror

Highlights the terror aspect, suggesting a more extreme and unfiltered emotional response.

sincere apprehension

Uses a more formal tone, highlighting concern about possible future events.

unfeigned alarm

Indicates that the alarm is not pretended or artificial.

palpable anxiety

Focuses on the visibility and intensity of the anxiety.

profound worry

Emphasizes the depth and seriousness of the concern.

deep-seated unease

Highlights the underlying and persistent nature of the discomfort or anxiety.

actual fright

Simply restates the 'realness' of the fright in a more concise way.

veritable trepidation

Employs a more elevated and formal vocabulary to express apprehension.

honest worry

Highlights the sincerity behind the worry, rather than the intensity of the fear.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "genuine fear" in a sentence?

To effectively use "genuine fear", ensure the context supports a significant level of alarm or apprehension. It's best employed when describing a situation where the fear is both real and justified, providing a strong emotional impact.

What are some alternatives to using "genuine fear" in my writing?

Depending on the nuance you wish to convey, you could use alternatives like "real dread", "sincere apprehension", or "profound worry". Each emphasizes slightly different aspects of the emotion.

Is there a difference between "genuine fear" and "realistic fear"?

"Genuine fear" refers to the authenticity and sincerity of the emotion itself, while "realistic fear" implies that the fear is based on a rational assessment of a situation's actual dangers. One speaks to emotion, the other to rationale.

In what contexts is "genuine fear" most appropriately used?

"Genuine fear" is particularly effective in narrative or descriptive writing where conveying the emotional state of a character or subject is essential. It is also suitable in analytical writing when discussing responses to threats or dangers.