gripping fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gripping fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an intense, overwhelming sense of fear that captures someone's attention or emotions. Example: "As the horror movie reached its climax, a gripping fear settled over the audience, leaving them on the edge of their seats."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

They speak to gripping fear and stunted futures.

The Washington Post

Inside the leadership team of House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis)., there was a gripping fear of what failure would mean for its future overseeing a chamber seemingly incapable of moving important legislation.

The Washington Post

I faced the gripping fear of the unknown, the incomprehensible.

HuffPost

This gripping fear keeps me from registering to vote, applying for government jobs, getting married, adopting children, traveling abroad, and fulfilling the American Dream".

Huffington Post

Karen experienced that divorce, when approached through an open heart and mind, is the very stimulus to discovering freedom from gripping fear, anger, frustration and misery to enveloping faith, acceptance, possibility and joy.

HuffPost

Brittany's public, controversial, and very brave decision has helped me reflect upon my own three years of living with this disease, and the gripping fear I face with each MRI, as I hold my breath and watch the doctor pull up the screen on his laptop.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

· Fear: When you are emotionally gripped by fear, you are not free.

Huffington Post

"There is a lot of fear, an absolute fear, gripping the community.. . .

The Washington Post

Add in 30 plus years of fear-based HIV prevention messages, and it's no wonder so many gay men are gripped by fear around sex.

Huffington Post

Aalia is distraught and we, too, are gripped with fear.

The Guardian - Film

Everyone was gripped by fear as the fighting grew closer.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gripping fear" to describe a strong emotional state that significantly impacts a character or a group of people. This phrase works well when you want to emphasize the intensity and pervasiveness of the fear.

Common error

Avoid using "gripping fear" too frequently in your writing. While it's a powerful phrase, overuse can diminish its impact. Opt for synonyms like "intense dread" or "overwhelming terror" to vary your language and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gripping fear" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "gripping" intensifies the noun "fear". This intensifier highlights the overwhelming and captivating nature of the emotion. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gripping fear" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that effectively conveys a strong sense of fear. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid diminishing its impact. Found primarily in News & Media, with occasional usage in other domains such as Science, this phrase describes a sudden, intense, and overwhelming emotion. Alternatives include "intense dread", "overwhelming terror" and "acute anxiety". While the phrase is useful for emphasizing the intensity of fear, overuse should be avoided for the sake of variety and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense dread

Focuses on the anticipation of something terrible, emphasizing the emotional weight.

overwhelming terror

Highlights the intensity and all-encompassing nature of the fear.

acute anxiety

Shifts the focus to a clinical or psychological perspective of heightened anxiety.

paralyzing fear

Emphasizes the incapacitating effect of the fear.

consuming dread

Highlights the all-encompassing and persistent nature of the feeling.

deep-seated anxiety

Indicates a long-lasting, underlying anxiety.

bone-chilling fear

Uses vivid imagery to convey the physical sensation of fear.

uncontrollable anxiety

Focuses on the lack of control over anxious feelings.

crippling anxiety

Similar to paralyzing fear, but focuses on the debilitating nature of anxiety.

profound apprehension

Suggests a more thoughtful and anticipatory fear.

FAQs

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

You can use "gripping fear" to describe an intense feeling of fear that captivates or overwhelms someone. For example: "A gripping fear washed over her as she entered the dark forest."

What can I say instead of "gripping fear"?

You can use alternatives like "intense dread", "overwhelming terror", or "acute anxiety" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "gripping fear"?

Yes, "gripping fear" is grammatically correct. The adjective "gripping" modifies the noun "fear" to emphasize its intensity and compelling nature.

What's the difference between "gripping fear" and "general anxiety"?

"Gripping fear" describes a sudden, intense, and overwhelming feeling of fear in a specific situation. "General anxiety" refers to a more persistent and diffuse feeling of worry or unease.