live in fear

USAGE SUMMARY

"live in fear" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to constantly feel afraid or anxious about something. Example: Many people in war-torn countries live in fear of violence and instability every day.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"People constantly live in fear".

Independent

Secrets always live in fear.

The New York Times

People live in fear.

The Guardian

"We live in fear.

The Guardian

Officials live in fear of his wrath.

The Economist

Today French Jews live in fear.

Independent

But people here live in fear.

The Economist

"We live in fear," he said.

The New York Times

But they live in fear.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We can't live in fear".

The New York Times

You can't live in fear!

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "live in fear", ensure the context clearly specifies the source or cause of the fear to provide a comprehensive understanding for the reader. For example, "They live in fear of political persecution" is more informative than "They live in fear".

Common error

Avoid using "live in fear" without specifying what is causing the fear. Overgeneralization can make the statement vague and less impactful. Instead of saying "The community lives in fear", specify "The community lives in fear of gang violence".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "live in fear" functions as a verb phrase describing a state of being. It illustrates a continuous condition of apprehension or anxiety experienced by an individual or group, as Ludwig AI confirms and exemplifies across numerous sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "live in fear" is a common expression used to describe a state of constant anxiety and apprehension. Grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media, it conveys the significant impact of threatening situations on individuals or communities. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile and widely understood. While it's important to specify the cause of the fear for clarity, as detailed in the writing guidance, the phrase itself effectively communicates a sense of pervasive anxiety. Alternatives such as "exist in dread" or "be in constant fear" can provide nuanced variations, but the core meaning remains consistent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be in constant fear

Directly states the continuous nature of fear, highlighting its persistence.

live under a cloud of fear

Uses a metaphor to describe how fear overshadows and negatively affects one's life.

be terrorized daily

Focuses on the daily experience of being terrorized, emphasizing the regularity and impact of fear.

be subject to constant dread

Similar to 'in constant fear' but uses 'dread' to indicate a more profound and unsettling experience.

exist in dread

Replaces 'fear' with 'dread', emphasizing a more intense and prolonged feeling of apprehension.

experience perpetual anxiety

Highlights the ongoing and uninterrupted nature of anxiety and fear.

dwell in anxiety

Substitutes 'fear' with 'anxiety', focusing on the psychological aspect of worry and unease.

be gripped by terror

Uses 'terror' to highlight a more acute and intense form of fear, implying a sudden overwhelming experience.

labor under apprehension

Emphasizes the burdensome nature of constant fear and the effort required to cope with it.

be haunted by trepidation

Implies that fear is persistent and unsettling, like a haunting presence.

FAQs

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

You can use "live in fear" to describe a state of constant anxiety or apprehension due to a specific threat or situation. For example: "Refugees often "live in fear" of deportation".

What are some alternatives to saying "live in fear"?

Some alternatives include "exist in dread", "be in constant fear", or "dwell in anxiety", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "lives in fear" instead of "live in fear"?

Yes, "lives in fear" is grammatically correct when referring to a singular subject (e.g., "He lives in fear"), while "live in fear" is used for plural subjects or when using 'I', 'we', 'you', or 'they' (e.g., "They "live in fear"").

What does it mean to "live in fear"?

To ""live in fear"" means to experience a constant state of worry, anxiety, or apprehension, often due to a perceived or actual threat. It suggests that fear significantly impacts one's daily life and decisions.