increases fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "increases fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that heightens or amplifies feelings of fear or anxiety. Example: "The horror movie's unexpected twists and dark themes increases fear among the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

As Dumbledore tells Harry Potter: "Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself".

The Economist

President Bush's advice to always "stay on the offense" does not keep our country safe; it increases fear at home and anger abroad.

The New York Times

Cisler et al. (2010) reported that obsessive beliefs, particularly the overestimation of threat, are related to a heightened level of disgust that increases fear of contamination.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

They hypothesized that untended disorder increases fear of crime in a community, starting a chain of events that eventually leads to heightened levels of crime.

Journal of Criminal Justice

But, fear of a name just increases fear of the thing itself, we've heard it before.

Vice

Broken promises erode trust, which increases fear that the leaks could get worse and the nasty waste inside those tanks could one day come oozing out.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"Leading members such as Saudi Arabia are keen to limit price increases, fearing negative effects on their relations with the U.S".

The New York Times

Receivership is more serious than the administration process in the UK, which increases fears for HMV's 300 Irish jobs.

The Guardian - Business

Increased fear of falling should much underestimate their step-over ability compared with non-fearful older adults.

BMC Geriatrics

It is done on purpose to increase fear and apprehension".

The New York Times - Arts

The statement increasing fear of a breakdown of the peace talks engineered by South Korea.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "increases fear", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives like "heightens apprehension" or "escalates dread" may be more appropriate depending on the context. Be aware of the intensity and specificity of the emotion you aim to describe.

Common error

Avoid using "increases fear" repeatedly in formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound simplistic. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "intensifies anxiety" or "exacerbates apprehension" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increases fear" functions as a verb phrase where "increases" acts as the verb, indicating the action of augmenting or intensifying, and "fear" serves as the direct object, representing the emotion being amplified. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "increases fear" is grammatically sound and functions to describe the amplification of fear in various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While the phrase is correct, it's important to consider the specific nuance and formality of the writing when choosing alternatives. Common contexts include news, science, and general discussions, indicating a neutral register. Be mindful of potential overuse in formal settings, where more sophisticated alternatives may be preferred. The phrase's frequency is uncommon, highlighting the need for thoughtful application in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amplifies anxiety

Focuses on anxiety as the intensified emotion, rather than general fear.

exacerbates anxiety

Similar to "amplifies anxiety" but with a stronger connotation of worsening a pre-existing condition.

heightens apprehension

Emphasizes a more formal and subtle increase in unease.

inflames panic

Highlights a sudden and intense burst of panic.

escalates dread

Highlights the intensification of a deep sense of foreboding.

intensifies terror

Suggests a sharper, more acute rise in extreme fear.

fuels paranoia

Specifically targets the amplification of paranoid thoughts and feelings.

worsens fright

Emphasizes a negative impact on the state of being frightened.

provokes alarm

Focuses on causing a sudden and immediate sense of danger.

aggravates concern

Increases the level of worry or unease about something.

FAQs

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

You can use "increases fear" to describe something that intensifies feelings of fear or anxiety. For example, "The lack of information increases fear among the public."

What are some alternatives to "increases fear"?

Alternatives include "heightens apprehension", "escalates dread", or "intensifies anxiety", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "increases fear" grammatically correct?

Yes, "increases fear" is grammatically correct and commonly used. However, consider the formality of your writing and choose more sophisticated alternatives if appropriate.

What's the difference between "increases fear" and "creates fear"?

"Increases fear" suggests that some level of fear already exists and is being intensified. "Creates fear" indicates that fear is being introduced where it didn't previously exist. The choice depends on whether fear is being amplified or newly generated.