intense dread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intense dread" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong feeling of fear or anxiety about something. Example: "As the deadline approached, she felt an intense dread about the outcome of her presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Have you ever felt that sudden, intense dread that you're about to die?

The Guardian - Opinion

The most intense dread, fueled by shows like "America's Most Wanted" and "To Catch a Predator," is directed at the lurking stranger, the anonymous repeat offender.

The New York Times

I don't know about you, but picture of heights and treks fill me with intense dread, especially if, as one ad suggested, I will land on my feet if I have knowledge and experience as my parachutes.

The Economist

When the men do return — sometimes from the Gulf, where work can be degrading and tough — they often marry much younger women; the bitterness these marriages inspire is apparent in "I Want to Get Married," in which Abdel Aal, at the age of twenty-seven, feels intense dread at becoming a "spinster".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

People think he is a joker or surrealist (he can be both), but there is also an intense real dread and deep humanistic love in his poems.

Huffington Post

The prosecution says: Why, at that moment of intense panic and dread, discovering the body, did the screaming stop?

Independent

Do not think of the intense feelings of dread, claustrophobia, and isolation that so pervade your writeup of the Rugged Ridge Parka.

The New Yorker

It is the eve of Luke's entrance into middle school, an event for which he and his friends demonstrate an intense but derivative dread.

The New York Times - Arts

And I feel this very intense sense of dread".

Huffington Post

The particular evil of radiation, and how it spawns such intense alarm and dread, is that it is invisible, silent and odorless.

HuffPost

The Old Stone House may also contain one of Washington's only malevolent spirits, nicknamed "George," who has choked and pushed visitors and whose presence (often indicated by an extremely cold spot) leaves witnesses with an intense feeling of dread.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "intense dread", consider the context. Ensure the situation warrants such a strong emotion to maintain credibility and avoid exaggeration.

Common error

Avoid using "intense dread" to describe minor anxieties or inconveniences. This can dilute the phrase's impact and make your writing seem melodramatic. Instead, reserve it for genuinely frightening or deeply unsettling scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intense dread" functions as a noun phrase, where 'intense' modifies the noun 'dread', intensifying the feeling. Ludwig shows its use to describe strong feelings of fear, anxiety, or foreboding. It is often used to emphasize the severity of the emotion being experienced.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intense dread" effectively communicates a strong feeling of fear or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, where it is used to describe situations that evoke a high degree of unease and apprehension. While "intense dread" is a powerful expression, it should be used judiciously to avoid diluting its impact. Consider using alternative phrases like "profound fear" or "overwhelming terror" to add variety to your writing and ensure the intensity of the emotion matches the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acute anxiety

Focuses on the anxiety aspect, emphasizing its sharpness and severity.

profound fear

Emphasizes the depth and seriousness of the fear experienced.

overwhelming terror

Highlights the overpowering nature of the terror.

crippling apprehension

Focuses on how the apprehension can disable or restrict one's actions.

deep-seated fear

Indicates a fear that is rooted deeply within someone's psyche.

palpable trepidation

Suggests that the feeling of trepidation is so strong it can almost be touched or sensed by others.

extreme foreboding

Highlights a strong feeling that something bad is going to happen.

consuming anxiety

Emphasizes how anxiety can take over one's thoughts and feelings.

uncontrollable fear

Focuses on the lack of ability to manage or suppress the fear.

paralyzing fear

Highlights the fear's ability to immobilize or prevent action.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "intense dread" in a sentence?

Use "intense dread" to portray a character's strong fear or anxiety in response to a significant threat or unpleasant anticipation. For example, "She felt an "intense dread" as she approached the dark, abandoned house."

What are some alternatives to "intense dread" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "profound fear", "overwhelming terror", or "crippling apprehension" to convey a similar meaning without repeating the phrase.

Is "intense dread" too dramatic for everyday writing?

While grammatically correct, "intense dread" is a strong phrase best reserved for situations where the emotion is genuinely significant. Using it for minor anxieties can diminish its impact. Opt for alternatives like "anxiousness" or "worry" in less severe situations.

How does "intense dread" differ from simple "fear" or "anxiety"?

"Intense dread" implies a much stronger and more immediate feeling than general fear or anxiety. It suggests a deep, visceral reaction to a perceived threat or impending negative event. If you want to convey a sense of foreboding and powerful emotional response, "intense dread" is more suitable.