grave fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grave fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a deep or serious level of fear regarding a situation or outcome. Example: "After hearing the news, she was filled with grave fear about the safety of her family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Germans adopted the term "Angst," which referred to a terrible foreboding, a grave fear of some future event.

The New York Times

A mail bomb plot, consisting of 36 explosive packages designed to go off on May Day, 1919, triggered a grave fear that a Bolshevik conspiracy sought the overthrow of the United States.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When Volvo was bought by Ford (in 1999), there was grave fear that Ford would gut the brand and its heritage, selling rebadged Fords as Volvos.

Forbes

The grave fear is that the United States is colluding in that dissolution.

Huffington Post

What then lay behind the grave fear of sharks among people living along the coast?

Huffington Post

However, it is believed that mental illness or grave fear of suffering diminishes the responsibility of the one completing suicide.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But I have grave fears about the future for my descendants.

University of California, Berkeley

Aid workers in Ukraine hold grave fears over WFP's deficit.

Independent

Dr Carhart has grave fears about how desperate some women might become.

Independent

It said it had identified 14 of those killed and expressed grave fears for the safety of the detainees.

The New York Times

New Zealand police said they have grave fears for Millane, who disappeared from central Auckland on Saturday night.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grave fear" to emphasize the seriousness of a fearful situation. It conveys a deeper sense of dread than simple 'fear'.

Common error

Avoid using "grave fear" in informal settings. The phrase is best reserved for situations where the fear is genuinely significant and serious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave fear" functions as a noun phrase that describes a profound and serious feeling of fear. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey significant apprehension.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grave fear" is a valid and impactful way to describe a deep and serious level of fear, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct, it's best reserved for situations where the concern is genuinely significant and requires a heightened sense of alarm. Analysis of its usage patterns reveals that it's most commonly found in News & Media, Wiki, and occasionally Academic contexts. When writing, consider alternatives such as "serious concern" or "deep apprehension" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Using the phrase judiciously ensures its impact and avoids overuse in informal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious concern

Highlights the significant level of worry regarding a situation.

extreme worry

Focuses on the high degree of worry or distress.

significant unease

Highlights a notable lack of comfort or peace of mind.

deep apprehension

Emphasizes the depth of unease or anxiety.

dire concern

Emphasizes the urgency and severity of the concern.

profound anxiety

Stresses the intensity and depth of the anxiety.

palpable dread

Indicates that the feeling of dread is so strong it's almost tangible.

intense dread

Conveys a strong feeling of fear about something that might happen.

great trepidation

Implies a state of alarm or dread; apprehension.

acute alarm

Suggests a sudden and intense feeling of being worried or frightened.

FAQs

How can I use "grave fear" in a sentence?

You can use "grave fear" to describe a strong feeling of worry about something important. For example, "The community held a grave fear for the missing children".

What's a good alternative to "grave fear"?

Alternatives include "serious concern", "deep apprehension", or "profound anxiety", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "grave fear"?

Use "grave fear" when expressing a deep and serious level of fear, especially concerning matters of significant consequence, such as safety, security, or well-being.

Is "grave fear" interchangeable with "serious fear"?

While similar, "grave fear" suggests a deeper, more profound level of fear than "serious fear". Use "grave fear" when the situation warrants a heightened sense of alarm.