have a fear of

USAGE SUMMARY

"have a fear of" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe someone who is afraid of something or has a specific fear. Example: John has a fear of heights, so he always avoids going to the top of tall buildings.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even people who have a fear of flying are prepared to get on planes after crashes.

The Guardian

I have a fear of the water.

The New Yorker

Many people have a fear of meditation.

Harvard University

I have a fear of needles.

Harvard University

We have a fear of looking.

The Guardian

I have a fear of being outside.

The New York Times

I have a fear of throwing up".

The New York Times - Magazine

"I have a fear of being constrained".

The New York Times

But it didn't have a fear of news photographers.

The New York Times

I never have a fear of asking him a question that some people probably would have a fear of.

The New York Times

I have a fear of the tyranny of mass taste".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have a fear of", ensure the object of the fear is clearly defined. For example, specify "have a fear of public speaking" rather than just "have a fear."

Common error

Avoid using "have a fear of" when describing mild dislikes. This phrase implies a significant level of anxiety or apprehension, so reserve it for genuine fears.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a fear of" functions as a verbal expression indicating a state of being afraid or anxious about something. This involves stating that a subject experiences fear, as illustrated by examples from Ludwig like "I have a fear of heights" or "They have a fear of public speaking".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

15%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

26%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have a fear of" is a common and grammatically correct way to express anxiety or phobia toward something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, from everyday conversation to more formal writing. While alternatives like "be afraid of" exist, "have a fear of" is a clear and direct way to communicate your anxieties. It's essential to use this phrase accurately, reserving it for genuine fears rather than mild dislikes to maintain clarity and impact in your communication. The most authoritative sources that use the phrase are The New York Times, The Guardian, The New Yorker, Huffington Post and Forbes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be afraid of

More direct and commonly used alternative, focusing on the emotion of fear.

be scared of

Similar to 'be afraid of' but suggests a stronger emotional response.

dread

Implies a strong sense of apprehension or reluctance.

be apprehensive about

More formal, suggesting worry about a future event or possibility.

be anxious about

Similar to 'be apprehensive about' but focuses on the feeling of anxiety.

have anxiety about

Focuses on the experience of anxiety regarding something.

be wary of

Suggests caution and distrust, rather than outright fear.

feel uneasy about

Indicates a lack of comfort or security regarding something.

shrink from

Implies avoiding something due to fear or distaste.

cower at the thought of

Expresses extreme fear, causing someone to recoil mentally.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "have a fear of"?

You can use alternatives like "be afraid of", "be scared of", or "dread" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "has a fear of"?

Yes, "has a fear of" is the correct third-person singular form. For example, "She has a fear of heights."

How to use "have a fear of" in a sentence?

You can use "have a fear of" to express your anxiety towards something, for example: "I "have a fear of" flying" or "They "have a fear of" spiders".

What's the difference between "have a fear of" and "be afraid of"?

While both express fear, "be afraid of" is more direct and commonly used in everyday conversation. "Have a fear of" can sometimes imply a more specific or intense phobia, but they are largely interchangeable.