grew fearful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grew fearful" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is a common expression to describe the feeling of becoming afraid or anxious over time. Example: As the storm clouds rolled in closer and the wind picked up, Sarah grew fearful of the impending storm.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Then Roy was killed, and Kowshik grew fearful again.

The New Yorker

Still, as the American people grew fearful of lard, American pigs grew noticeably leaner.

The New York Times - Food

In the old days, bank runs would start when people grew fearful that a bank was insolvent.

The New York Times

Mohamed Abazid, 28, a refugee from Dara'a in southern Syria, grew fearful as he saw fliers being passed around.

The New York Times

Republicans grew fearful of criticism of the racially charged tactics that began with Richard M. Nixon's "Southern strategy".

The New York Times

As the state fought back and FARC soldiers grew fearful of increasingly effective military airstrikes, the rebel ranks thinned, with many defecting or deserting.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

He had seen his mother grow fearful and bitter.

The New Yorker

With a madcap populism, Liu is prone to disquisitions so extensive that a listener grows fearful of their destination.

The New York Times - Magazine

With its weak government and slow growth, investors have grown fearful that Portugal, too, will eventually run out of funds.

The New York Times

With its housing market blighted and its consumers growing fearful, America now faces a mounting risk of recession.

The Economist

With every atrocity they hope that America grows fearful, retreating from the world and forsaking our friends.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grew fearful" to describe a gradual increase in fear or apprehension over time, rather than a sudden shock.

Common error

Avoid using "grew fearful" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "became afraid" or "became anxious" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grew fearful" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process or change of state. It describes the act of someone or something becoming afraid. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

16%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that the phrase "grew fearful" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It describes a gradual increase in fear or apprehension, typically found in news and media contexts. While synonyms like "became afraid" and "became anxious" exist, "grew fearful" effectively conveys a slow progression into a state of fear. In writing, it's best to use it to describe a gradual shift in emotion and avoid overuse to prevent monotony. Overall, "grew fearful" is a versatile and appropriate choice for expressing increasing fear in a variety of situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became afraid

A more direct and common substitute for "grew fearful".

became frightened

Similar to "became afraid" but suggests a more sudden onset of fear.

became anxious

Focuses on worry and unease rather than outright fear.

became apprehensive

Suggests a more anticipatory and thoughtful form of fear or worry.

became worried

Similar to "became anxious", emphasizing concern and unease.

started fearing

Emphasizes the beginning of the state of fear.

began to fear

Similar to "started fearing" but with a slightly more formal tone.

developed a fear

Suggests a gradual development of fear over time.

turned fearful

Highlights the change in state to being fearful.

was overcome with fear

Implies a more intense and overwhelming experience of fear.

FAQs

How can I use "grew fearful" in a sentence?

You can use "grew fearful" to describe a gradual increase in someone's fear or anxiety over time. For example, "As the storm approached, she "grew fearful" of the lightning."

What are some alternatives to saying "grew fearful"?

Some alternatives to "grew fearful" include "became afraid", "became anxious", or "started fearing". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "grew fearful" or "became fearful"?

Both "grew fearful" and "became fearful" are grammatically correct and widely used. "Grew fearful" emphasizes a gradual increase in fear, while "became fearful" is a more general statement of becoming afraid.

What's the difference between "grew fearful" and "grew worried"?

"Grew fearful" implies a stronger emotion of fright or dread, while "grew worried" suggests a lighter sense of unease or concern. The choice depends on the intensity of the emotion you want to convey.