intense fear

USAGE SUMMARY

"intense fear" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It describes a strong and heightened level of fear. Example: She felt intense fear gripping her as she walked alone in the dark forest.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My dictionary defines terror as "intense fear".

The New York Times

"Mary has an intense fear of eating overdressed salad".

The New Yorker

It wasn't her fault, but I felt this intense fear.

The New York Times

Agoraphobia, type of anxiety disorder characterized by avoidance of situations that induce intense fear and panic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Do we, in other words, have an unusually intense fear of wild animals?

The Guardian

This intense fear of isolation and vulnerability is the driving force for Trapped.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I have this intense fear that it is going to change everything," she said.

The New Yorker

"We've established a standard and have an intense fear of doing something poorly," Hornbacher told me.

The New York Times - Magazine

Desperate rescue missions and routine encounters with German soldiers both inspire intense fear.

The New York Times - Books

Terror was still a name for intense fear, but it no longer connoted a social force.

The New York Times

When I was a child, I had an intense fear of going to prison.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intense fear" to describe a strong emotional response to a perceived threat or danger. It effectively conveys a heightened state of anxiety or fright.

Common error

Avoid using "intense fear" to describe minor anxieties or worries. Using it inappropriately can diminish its impact when describing truly frightening situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intense fear" functions as a noun phrase, where "intense" modifies the noun "fear". Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intense fear" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a strong emotional response to a perceived danger or threat. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news reports to scientific articles. Its purpose is to convey a heightened state of anxiety, terror, or dread. While "intense fear" is a powerful descriptor, it's crucial to use it judiciously to avoid diluting its impact. Alternative phrases like "extreme dread" or "acute terror" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extreme dread

Focuses on the extremity of the feeling of dread.

acute terror

Emphasizes the sudden and sharp nature of the terror.

overwhelming anxiety

Highlights the feeling of being overpowered by anxiety.

consuming dread

Implies that the dread is all-encompassing.

deep-seated apprehension

Suggests a long-lasting and profound feeling of apprehension.

profound anxiety

Emphasizes the depth and significance of the anxiety.

severe trepidation

Highlights the severity of the feeling of trepidation.

palpable fear

Suggests the fear is so strong it's almost tangible.

uncontrollable fright

Highlights the inability to manage the fright.

crippling terror

Implies the terror is so strong it is debilitating.

FAQs

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

You can use "intense fear" to describe a powerful emotional response to something frightening. For example, "She felt an intense fear when she heard the strange noise outside her window."

What are some synonyms for "intense fear"?

Alternatives include "extreme dread", "acute terror", or "overwhelming anxiety", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "intense fear" or "strong fear"?

"Intense fear" suggests a more overwhelming and visceral emotional experience than "strong fear". The choice depends on the degree of fear you want to emphasize.

What's the difference between "intense fear" and "anxiety"?

"Intense fear" is typically a reaction to a specific, immediate threat, while "anxiety" is often a more generalized feeling of worry or unease about potential future events.