laden with dread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "laden with dread" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, feeling, or atmosphere that is heavily filled with fear or anxiety. Example: "As she entered the darkened room, she felt a sense of foreboding, laden with dread about what she might find inside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is laden with dread.

The New York Times

Not many records pull off a commercial-critical one-two, even fewer do it while this laden with dread.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Numbers fill him with dread.

The New York Times - Books

I was filled with dread.

The New York Times

Medea fills us with dread.

The Guardian - Books

I was filled with dread and horror!

The New York Times

Beach holidays fill me with dread.

Independent

Still, I face this summer with dread.

The New York Times

The raids filled him with dread.

The New York Times

This case fills me with dread.

The Guardian - Opinion

"They look forward to summer with dread".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "laden with dread" to add a layer of intensity and gravity to descriptions of feelings or situations, conveying a sense of foreboding beyond simple fear.

Common error

Avoid using "laden with dread" too frequently, as it can diminish its impact. Reserve it for situations where the feeling of fear is particularly profound and significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "laden with dread" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe something as being heavily burdened with fear or apprehension. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is frequently used in descriptive writing to create a sense of unease.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "laden with dread" is a grammatically sound and evocative phrase used to describe a situation, feeling, or atmosphere characterized by intense fear or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While relatively uncommon, it appears predominantly in news and media contexts, adding a layer of gravity and foreboding. When employing this phrase, consider its potent emotional impact and reserve it for moments when a sense of impending doom truly prevails. Alternative phrases, such as "filled with foreboding" or "heavy with apprehension", can provide similar emotional weight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suffused with dread

Highlights a feeling of pervasive and intense fear.

filled with foreboding

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

fraught with anxiety

Highlights the presence of significant anxiety or worry.

heavy with apprehension

Focuses on a weighty feeling of unease about the future.

permeated with fear

Suggests fear is widespread and affects everything.

tinged with trepidation

Implies a slight sense of fear or nervousness.

colored by unease

Indicates that a situation is affected by a feeling of discomfort.

thick with worry

Shows that something is characterized by intense concern.

imbued with angst

Indicates a profound sense of anxiety and distress.

consumed by terror

Emphasizes being completely overwhelmed by fear.

FAQs

How can I use "laden with dread" in a sentence?

You can use "laden with dread" to describe a feeling, situation, or atmosphere. For example: "The silence in the room was "laden with dread" as they awaited the news."

What are some synonyms for "laden with dread"?

Some alternatives to "laden with dread" include "filled with foreboding", "fraught with anxiety", or "heavy with apprehension".

Is "laden with dread" formal or informal?

"Laden with dread" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly found in writing than in casual conversation. Its impact depends on the overall tone of the communication.

What's the difference between "laden with dread" and "filled with dread"?

While both phrases convey a sense of fear, "laden with dread" suggests a heavier, more oppressive feeling. "Filled with dread" is a more general expression of fear, whereas "laden with dread" implies a weighty, almost physical burden of fear.