invokes fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "invokes fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that causes or elicits a feeling of fear or anxiety in someone. Example: "The horror movie effectively invokes fear through its suspenseful music and unexpected plot twists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Always hungry and thirsty, Dhumavati initiates quarrels and invokes fear.

Wikipedia

Follow Alanna RItza on Twinvokes

Vice

Hanks' character, Michael Sullivan, is known as "The Angel of Death" in the graphic novel and invokes fear in those around him, but his infamy is downplayed in the film.

Wikipedia

If that is the shape of the race to come in 2016, then Americans will face a stark choice: between a strongman who invokes fear, resentment and outrage at the system and a woman who will offer herself as a steady inheritor of the Obama administration and traditional governance.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Ethnic conflict engages central elements of each group's identity and invokes fears and suspicion about real and potential opponents.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although the government often invokes fears of an Islamist insurgency to justify its heavy-handedness, such a secular, stable country seems an unlikely breeding-ground for religious radicals.

The Economist

"Red to recall the devil, black to invoke fear".

The Guardian - Sport

You don't have to invoke fear of the Kenyan Islamic atheist socialist or whatever.

The New York Times

He told the Guardian: "It was intended to invoke fear and alarm.

The Guardian

Perhaps, once invoked, fear of a place, a person or thing never goes away.

The New York Times

These were attacks meant to change people's minds by invoking fear.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "invokes fear", ensure the subject clearly causes or elicits the feeling of fear in the audience or subject being described. For stronger impact, consider specifying the type of fear being invoked, such as "invokes a fear of the unknown".

Common error

Avoid using "invokes fear" excessively in contexts where more nuanced language would be appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound sensationalist or hyperbolic, diminishing its impact. Consider using alternatives like "raises concerns" or "creates unease" for more subtle effects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "invokes fear" functions as a verb phrase where 'invokes' is the verb and 'fear' is the direct object. It describes the action of causing or eliciting a feeling of fear. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "invokes fear" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, predominantly found in news and media, Wiki, and scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and conveys the action of causing or eliciting fear. While versatile, it's important to consider the potential for sensationalism and use it judiciously. Alternatives such as "elicits fear" or "provokes fear" may offer nuanced options. The phrase functions to highlight the causal relationship between a subject and the feeling of fear it generates, making it a powerful tool in descriptive and analytical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elicits fear

Replaces "invokes" with "elicits", maintaining the sense of drawing out fear.

provokes fear

Substitutes "invokes" with "provokes", emphasizing the act of stirring up fear.

instills fear

Uses "instills" instead of "invokes", highlighting the act of implanting fear.

arouses fear

Replaces "invokes" with "arouses", focusing on awakening fear.

generates fear

Uses "generates" instead of "invokes", stressing the creation of fear.

creates a sense of fear

Adds a more descriptive phrase to replace "invokes fear", emphasizing the feeling.

triggers fear

Substitutes "invokes" with "triggers", indicating a rapid onset of fear.

causes fear

Uses a simpler and more direct phrasing to indicate the causation of fear.

inspires fear

Replaces "invokes" with "inspires", conveying a feeling of fear mixed with awe.

fosters a climate of fear

Changes the structure to emphasize the creation of an environment dominated by fear.

FAQs

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

You can use "invokes fear" to describe something that causes or elicits a feeling of fear or anxiety. For example: "The dictator's propaganda effectively "invokes fear" among the population."

What can I say instead of "invokes fear"?

You can use alternatives like "elicits fear", "provokes fear", or "instills fear" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "invokes fear in"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "invokes fear in". For example: "The movie "invokes fear" in the viewers."

What's the difference between "invokes fear" and "creates anxiety"?

"Invokes fear" suggests a more immediate and intense emotional response, while "creates anxiety" implies a longer-lasting state of worry or unease.