it is fear that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is fear that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the specific emotion of fear in a statement or argument. Example: "It is fear that drives many people to make irrational decisions in times of crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It is fear that governments cannot, or perhaps will not, do much of anything.

The New York Times

One school holds it is fear that does it; the moths recognize that the housewife is afraid of them and go to work on her.

The New Yorker

Some decline for economic reasons, but for others, it is fear that keeps them in the workplace -- fear of being ridiculed, fear of being discriminated against, even fear of losing their jobs -- some specialists say.

The New York Times

The history of humanity has been marked by migration flows, but it is fear that allows shallow demagoguery, and sometimes open racism, increasingly to inhabit Europe's politics – to the extent that it has been the decisive factor in several recent elections.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is fear that drives this issue.

Huffington Post

So basically, it is "fear" that motivates people to do good and avoid evil.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

I think it was fear that kept the company going.

The Guardian

It was fear that gave George W. Bush the edge over John Kerry in 2004, and it was fear that saved the Bill Clinton from political extinction.

The New York Times

It is feared that she could be left paralysed by the attack.

Independent

It is feared that all 150 passengers and crew are dead.

The Economist

It is feared that the 162 people on board have died.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is fear that" to emphasize the specific emotion as the primary cause or motivator in a situation. This can add weight to your argument or explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "it is fear that" repeatedly in complex sentences, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using alternative phrases or rephrasing to maintain clarity and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is fear that" functions as a cleft sentence, emphasizing the role of fear. As Ludwig confirms, it is a valid and usable construction. This structure highlights fear as the specific element being focused upon, providing greater emphasis than a simple declarative sentence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is fear that" is a grammatically sound construction used to emphasize the central role of fear in various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Appearing most frequently in news and media, it serves to highlight fear as the driving force behind actions, decisions, or outcomes. While grammatically correct, be mindful of overuse to maintain writing clarity. As the examples indicate, "it is fear that" carries significant weight in conveying a message. Consider alternatives like "fear is the reason" for greater variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fear is the reason

Identifies fear as the direct cause or explanation.

fear is what causes

Highlights fear as the active agent behind a particular outcome.

the cause is fear

Emphasizes the causal relationship with fear as the origin.

fear motivates

Focuses on the driving force of fear in influencing behavior.

driven by fear

Indicates that actions or decisions are propelled by fear.

stemming from fear

Highlights fear as the root or origin of something.

fear is the underlying factor

Identifies fear as the hidden or less obvious cause.

it's all about fear

Simplifies the explanation to fear as the central element.

the problem is fear

Frames fear as the main issue or challenge.

it boils down to fear

Suggests that fear is the fundamental element after simplification.

FAQs

How can I use "it is fear that" in a sentence?

Use "it is fear that" to emphasize the role of fear as the primary cause or motivation. For example, "It is fear that drives many people to make irrational decisions during a crisis."

What phrases are similar to "it is fear that"?

Alternatives include "fear is the reason", "fear motivates", or "driven by fear". Each conveys a similar sense of fear being a central cause or influence.

Is "it is fear that" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it is fear that" is grammatically correct. It's a valid construction used to emphasize fear as a specific element or cause within a sentence.

When should I use "it is fear that" instead of a simpler sentence structure?

Use "it is fear that" when you want to specifically highlight and emphasize fear as the key factor. Simpler structures might not convey the same level of emphasis.