grave fears about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grave fears about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing serious concerns or anxieties regarding a particular issue or situation. Example: "The community has grave fears about the potential impact of the new factory on local air quality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

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

Independent

Worldwide, a poll of 21 countries published yesterday - reflecting opinion in Africa, Latin America, North America, Asia and Europe - showed that a clear majority have grave fears about the next four years.

The Guardian

Washington went though a similar panic in the late 1960s as Israel's nuclear programme started bearing fruit, and initially there were grave fears about the programmes of long-standing rivals Pakistan and India.

The Guardian

But even that has sparked grave fears about the TPP, ranging from concerns about intellectual property to health care costs to huge multinational companies suing countries for lost profits when countries pass legislation that's not to their liking.

Vice

In fact, I have grave fears about what a Trump presidency would mean specifically for our community -- besides what it would mean for our environment, for women, for Latinos, for Black lives, for immigrants, for foreign relations, and so much more.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The official death toll from the quake rose to 154 on Tuesday, with grave fears for about 50 people who are unaccounted for.

The Guardian

One of the curses of being famous and then dying, aside from the enormous hassle of being dead, must be one's beyond-the-grave fear about one's BBC4 bio-pic.

Independent

The official death toll from the earthquake rose to 148 yesterday after another body was found, and grave fears remain for about 50 people who are unaccounted for, Police Superintendent David Cliff said.

Independent

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

Independent

Both Segrè and Elfriede held grave fears for the fate of their parents in Italy and Germany.

Wikipedia

"We hold grave fears for the people on these outer and remote islands".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grave fears about", ensure the context clearly establishes the source and nature of the concern to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify who holds the fears and what the object of those fears is.

Common error

Avoid using "grave fears about" in contexts where the concern is minor or speculative. This phrase implies a significant and well-founded level of anxiety, so reserve it for situations of genuine consequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave fears about" functions as a descriptor of sentiment, specifically expressing a high degree of worry or anxiety. Ludwig AI’s examples show it used to highlight significant concerns in various contexts, from political outcomes to environmental issues. It modifies an implied subject, indicating their feelings.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grave fears about" is a descriptor used to express significant worry or anxiety, commonly found in neutral and slightly formal contexts such as news and media. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is grammatically correct and suitable for written English when conveying serious concerns. While not overly frequent, it effectively emphasizes the potential negative consequences associated with the subject of the fears. Related phrases like "deep anxieties regarding" or ""major concerns about"" can offer nuanced alternatives. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context is appropriate to the seriousness of the concerns to maintain credibility and avoid exaggeration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major concerns about

Focuses on the importance and scale of the concerns.

significant worries about

Highlights the noteworthiness and impact of the worries.

substantial concerns over

Highlights the considerable nature and scope of the concerns.

deep anxieties regarding

Emphasizes the depth of the anxiety, suggesting a profound level of worry.

intense fears regarding

Stresses the strength and intensity of the fears.

profound worries regarding

Stresses the intensity and significance of the worries.

serious apprehensions concerning

Highlights a formal tone and the significant level of unease.

acute apprehensions about

Emphasizes the sharpness and urgency of the apprehensions.

extreme anxieties over

Emphasizes the high degree of anxiety and its specific focus.

dire misgivings regarding

Conveys a sense of impending disaster and deep doubt.

FAQs

What does "grave fears about" mean?

The phrase "grave fears about" indicates a strong feeling of worry or anxiety about something, suggesting a serious or significant concern.

How can I use "grave fears about" in a sentence?

You might say, "Experts have "major concerns about" the environmental impact of the proposed development" to express significant worry about the potential consequences.

What are some alternatives to "grave fears about"?

Alternatives include phrases like "deep anxieties regarding", "serious apprehensions concerning", or "profound worries regarding", each adding a slightly different nuance to the expression of concern.

Is it appropriate to use "grave fears about" in formal writing?

Yes, "grave fears about" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing serious issues in news reports, academic papers, or professional communications.