growing sense of dread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "growing sense of dread" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an increasing feeling of fear or anxiety about something that may happen in the future. Example: "As the storm clouds gathered on the horizon, a growing sense of dread filled the villagers, fearing the worst."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Massive!" Now he felt a growing sense of dread.

The New York Times

Gamal Siam, whose son Sherif was among those arrested, was following the news with a growing sense of dread.

The New Yorker

The long and slow passage through the African heartland fills Marlow with a growing sense of dread.

Britannica

The three guides joined them, carrying a dwindling amount of oxygen and a growing sense of dread.

The New York Times - Sports

Some students will feel a growing sense of dread as exam season approaches – while others may appear irritatingly unfazed.

The Guardian

Many of those arriving in Malta said that they had not witnessed the violence firsthand, but that they had heard the gunshots with a growing sense of dread.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

He places himself, either deliberately or out of habit, in risky situations, and we follow his actions with a growing sense of helplessness and dread.

The New York Times

Oates uses dialogue to create a sense of dread and allows the reader to experience Connie's growing sense of fear of the threat of these men.

WikiHow

There's a growing sense of anger.

Independent

But as the months went on, my sense of dread grew.

The Guardian

But when Lee kept postponing his decision — beyond the winter meetings, beyond last weekend — the Rangers' sense of dread grew, and the Yankees shared the feeling.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "growing sense of dread" to effectively build suspense in narratives or to describe the increasing anxiety in a character or situation. For example: "As the deadline approached, a "growing sense of dread" settled over the team."

Common error

Avoid using "growing sense of dread" when describing minor inconveniences or simple dislike. "Dread" implies a significant level of fear or anxiety, not just mild discomfort. For example: Instead of saying "I have a "growing sense of dread" about doing the dishes", it's more accurate to say "I dislike doing the dishes."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "growing sense of dread" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing an intensifying feeling. As a noun phrase, it encapsulates a state of mind or emotional condition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "growing sense of dread" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that effectively conveys an intensifying feeling of fear or anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating its suitability for describing serious or suspenseful situations. While versatile, it's important to reserve this phrase for situations involving genuine apprehension, avoiding its use for minor discomforts. Alternatives include "increasing feeling of unease" or "escalating sense of fear", which can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

escalating sense of fear

Emphasizes the intensifying fear, which is a core component of dread.

deepening feeling of foreboding

Emphasizes the ominous anticipation of something bad.

increasing feeling of unease

Focuses on the gradual increase of discomfort, rather than specifically dread.

creeping sense of doom

Focuses on an impending sense of catastrophic failure or ruin.

mounting apprehension

Highlights the building anxiety and worry about a future event.

intensifying anxiety

Focuses on the increasing level of anxiety.

rising tide of anxiety

Uses a metaphorical expression to describe the increasing anxiety.

building despair

Emphasizes the increasing feeling of hopelessness.

developing fear

A more general phrase indicating a fear is forming.

mushrooming anxiety

Emphasizes that anxiety is rapidly and quickly increasing.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "growing sense of dread" in a sentence?

To effectively use "growing sense of dread", consider the context of increasing fear or anxiety. For instance, "As the mystery deepened, a "growing sense of dread" washed over her."

What are some alternatives to "growing sense of dread"?

You can use alternatives like "increasing feeling of unease", "escalating sense of fear", or "mounting apprehension" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "growing sense of dread" a formal or informal expression?

"Growing sense of dread" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in descriptive or narrative writing, regardless of formality.

What distinguishes "growing sense of dread" from "a little worried"?

"Growing sense of dread" indicates a significant and increasing level of fear or anxiety, whereas "a little worried" suggests a mild and less intense concern. The former is more suitable for serious or suspenseful contexts, while the latter is appropriate for everyday situations.