kind of fright

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of fright" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of fear or anxiety that is somewhat mild or not fully developed. Example: "The sudden noise in the dark gave her a kind of fright that made her heart race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The trampolining markets of the past few weeks have already administered this kind of fright, reminding investors that risk is just that.

The Economist

Panthers cornerback Darius Butler had a different kind of fright last weekend when his infant daughter underwent heart surgery, but he has returned to the team after the surgery was successful.

The New York Times - Sports

My fear wasn't related to political danger, but rather, it was the kind of fright you feel when you are dangling from a rope on the side of a steep canyon of the Judean Desert.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"After that first big role, there was a kind of stage fright," Ms. Jones said in 1981.

The New York Times

Some introverts may experience a more severe kind of stage-fright and may react by being totally-quiet.

WikiHow

She cites the Pintupi of Australia, who have words for 15 kinds of fear, including "nginyiwarrarringu", a spasm of fright that causes someone to jump up and look about them.

The Guardian - Books

The declaration of love marks the transition from chance to destiny and that's why it is so perilous and so burdened with a kind of horrifying stage fright".

The Guardian

Not in a fight or fright kind of way, but rather in a mind-clearing, healthy, change your life for the better kind of way.

Huffington Post

I kind of wrote to the original "Fright Night" and I wanted to stay true to the plot and the story.

Huffington Post

Woodrow Wilson and his trusty team of public relations entrepreneurs introduced the modern politics of fear - exactly the kind of us-vs-them, black or white, fright night hogwash that the neoconservative Republican culture of today is based in.

Huffington Post

When I am dying of fright.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kind of fright", ensure the context accurately reflects a feeling of mild or moderate fear, not intense terror. Consider alternatives like "sort of fear" for clearer communication.

Common error

Avoid using "kind of fright" when describing extreme fear or panic. This phrase is best suited for milder situations; otherwise, opt for stronger terms like "intense fear" or "terror".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of fright" functions as a noun phrase, where "kind of" acts as a modifier specifying the intensity of the noun "fright". It denotes a feeling of fear that is somewhat mild or not fully developed. As Ludwig AI shows, it indicates a less severe emotional response.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

21%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kind of fright" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to describe a mild sensation of fear or alarm. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and highlights its use in describing situations where the level of fear is not extreme. Although it's not a very common phrase, appearing rarely in texts, it finds its primary usage in news and media, providing a way to convey a nuanced emotional state. Alternatives such as "sort of fear" or "slight fear" offer similar meanings and might be preferable depending on the context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sort of fear

Replaces "fright" with the more common "fear", maintaining a similar level of intensity.

slight fear

Emphasizes the mildness of the fear being experienced.

mild apprehension

Uses a more formal term, "apprehension", to denote a less intense form of fear.

touch of fear

Highlights the subtle and brief nature of the fear.

hint of fear

Indicates a very small amount or suggestion of fear.

feeling of unease

Shifts the focus from fear to a general sense of discomfort or anxiety.

moment of panic

Implies a brief and sudden experience of intense fear.

wave of anxiety

Suggests that the fear comes and goes like a wave.

sense of alarm

Emphasizes the awareness and reaction to a potential danger.

small scare

Uses a more colloquial term, "scare", to indicate a minor fright.

FAQs

How can I use "kind of fright" in a sentence?

You can use "kind of fright" to describe a mild feeling of fear or anxiety. For example, "The unexpected noise gave her a kind of fright".

What's a good alternative to "kind of fright"?

Alternatives to "kind of fright" include "sort of fear", "slight fear", or "mild apprehension" depending on the context.

Is "kind of fright" too informal for professional writing?

While "kind of fright" is generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "mild apprehension" or "slight unease" in professional contexts.

What is the difference between "kind of fright" and "intense fear"?

"Kind of fright" implies a mild or moderate feeling of fear, while "intense fear" suggests a much stronger and more overwhelming experience.