greatest fear

USAGE SUMMARY

"greatest fear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the source of a person's deepest anxiety or apprehension. For example, "My greatest fear is not living up to my own expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That's my greatest fear".

The New York Times

What is your greatest fear?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What's your greatest fear?

The Guardian - Music

"What is a human's greatest fear?

The New York Times

That is the shopkeeper's greatest fear.

The New York Times

‘No!’ What is your greatest fear?

The Guardian - Film

Let that be your greatest fear.

The New Yorker

"This is our greatest fear.

The Guardian

My greatest fear is fear.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This was the older girl's greatest fear.

The New York Times - Sports

My greatest fear is leaving my children.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics, using "greatest fear" can add emotional depth, but be mindful of your audience and the context to avoid unnecessary alarm. Use it to convey genuine concern or anxiety.

Common error

Avoid using "greatest fear" in everyday, trivial situations. It can sound melodramatic or insincere. Save it for scenarios where the intensity of the fear is genuinely significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "greatest fear" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the most significant source of worry or anxiety for an individual or entity. As confirmed by Ludwig, this is a valid and usable English expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Lifestyle

10%

Books

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "greatest fear" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to describe someone's most significant source of anxiety or worry. As Ludwig AI confirmed, it's a valid and usable English phrase. While frequently found in news and media, its usage extends to lifestyle and literary contexts. When using "greatest fear", consider the emotional intensity it conveys and avoid overuse in trivial situations. Alternatives like "biggest concern" or "primary apprehension" can provide a more nuanced approach depending on the context. Remember to reserve "greatest fear" for scenarios where the intensity of the fear is genuinely significant to maintain credibility and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ultimate fear

Slightly more emphatic, implying finality or the worst possible outcome.

deepest dread

Emphasizes the intensity and depth of the fear.

worst nightmare

Uses a more dramatic and figurative expression for a feared scenario.

biggest concern

Changes the emotional intensity, focusing more on worry than deep-seated fear.

primary apprehension

Replaces "fear" with a more formal synonym, indicating anxiety.

major concern

Replaces "fear" with a more neutral "concern", lessening the intensity.

most significant apprehension

Combines formality with a sense of importance.

main source of anxiety

Shifts the focus to anxiety, a broader concept than fear.

greatest source of worry

Similar to 'most pressing worry' but emphasizes the emotional aspect.

most pressing worry

Highlights the urgency and importance of the concern.

FAQs

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

You can use "greatest fear" to describe a person's or entity's most significant source of worry or anxiety. For example, "The shopkeeper's "greatest fear" was that rebels would enter the area."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "greatest fear"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "biggest concern", "deepest dread", or "worst nightmare" as alternatives to "greatest fear".

Is it correct to use "greatest fear" in formal writing?

Yes, "greatest fear" is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider the tone and audience. In some cases, a more neutral term like "primary apprehension" or "major concern" might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "greatest fear" and a phobia?

"Greatest fear" refers to a significant source of anxiety, while a phobia is a persistent, excessive, unrealistic fear of a specific object, person, animal, activity or situation. A phobia is a diagnosed psychological condition, whereas "greatest fear" is a more general term.