i feared

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I feared" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a feeling of apprehension or concern about something that may happen or has happened. Example: "I feared that I would not pass the exam after seeing my grades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I feared everything.

The New Yorker

I feared the worst".

Independent

"Yes, I feared extinction.

The New York Times - Sports

Just as I feared.

The New York Times - Travel

"I feared," Mr. Gutierrez recalled.

The New York Times

I feared a lethal topple.

The New Yorker

I feared for my life".

Independent

But better than I feared.

The New York Times

I feared getting fired".

The New York Times

But always I feared the worst.

The New York Times

I feared being perceived as old.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "i feared" to directly express a feeling of apprehension or concern about a past event or situation. It adds a personal and emotional dimension to your writing.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses inappropriately. Ensure that the surrounding sentences maintain a consistent past tense when using "i feared" to describe a past emotion or anticipation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i feared" primarily functions as a main clause expressing a past emotional state. It indicates the subject's feeling of fear or apprehension regarding a specific situation or outcome, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "i feared" is a grammatically sound and common expression used to convey past feelings of apprehension or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While frequently found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal settings. Alternatives such as "I was afraid" or "I was worried" offer similar meanings with slight variations in nuance. When using this phrase, ensure tense consistency and consider the specific context to best convey the intended emotion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i was afraid

This alternative is a more common and direct way to express fear.

i was worried

This alternative shifts the focus to concern and anxiety, rather than outright fear.

i dreaded

This alternative implies a strong feeling of aversion and anticipation of something unpleasant.

i anticipated with dread

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the negative anticipation.

i was apprehensive

This alternative uses a more formal term to describe a feeling of anxiety or unease.

i had concerns

This alternative focuses on specific worries and anxieties.

i foresaw

This alternative emphasizes a sense of prediction or anticipation of something negative.

i expected the worst

This alternative indicates a pessimistic outlook and anticipation of a negative outcome.

i was anxious

This alternative describes a state of worry and nervousness.

my fear was

This alternative restructures the sentence to emphasize the fear itself.

FAQs

How can I use "i feared" in a sentence?

You can use "i feared" to express concern or apprehension about something that happened or might happen. For example, "I feared that the storm would cause damage to our home".

What are some alternatives to "i feared"?

Alternatives include "i was afraid", "i was worried", or "i dreaded" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "i feared" or "i was afraid"?

Both "i feared" and "i was afraid" are correct and usable. The choice depends on the context and desired tone. "I feared" can sound slightly more formal or intense.

What's the difference between "i feared" and "i suspected"?

"I feared" implies a feeling of anxiety or dread about a possible outcome, while "i suspected" suggests a belief or hunch without necessarily involving strong emotion.