mortal fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mortal fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to describe a feeling of extreme fear or terror, often associated with the fear of death. Example: The little girl felt a mortal fear grip her as she heard strange noises coming from her dark closet.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

14) "Mortal Fear," by Robin Cook.

The New York Times - Books

Rage, of course, and blunted ambitions, and mortal fear.

The New Yorker

Sepúlveda shone his light in their faces and saw the blood-drained look of mortal fear.

The New Yorker

Yet the two neighbours, along with Syria, share a mortal fear of their Kurdish minorities' irredentism.

The Economist

But she had high standards and a mortal fear of childbirth.

The Economist

In the straight world, meanwhile, the mortal fear of being mistaken for gay is weakening.

The New Yorker

He still lived in mortal fear until Crystal told him everything was all right.

The New Yorker

But he lets you glimpse, just barely, the mortal fear beneath them.

The New York Times

They slide along the walls of houses looking about in mortal fear.

The New York Times - Magazine

The temper came from his mother - of whom, Lancaster said, he lived in mortal fear.

The Guardian - Books

As a child he lived in mortal fear of the clown painted on the side of her van.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mortal fear" to vividly describe situations where characters or individuals face potentially life-threatening or existentially challenging circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "mortal fear" to describe everyday anxieties or minor inconveniences. Reserve it for scenarios involving extreme danger or existential threat to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mortal fear" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It describes a state of intense fear, specifically linked to the awareness of potential death or serious harm. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Wiki

2%

Huffington Post

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "mortal fear" is a common and grammatically sound way to express intense fear associated with the possibility of death or severe harm. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. While versatile, it's best reserved for scenarios warranting a high degree of emotional impact, and as proven by Ludwig's examples it is used in news and media contexts with great frequency. Related terms include "extreme dread" and "intense terror", offering nuanced alternatives. Remember to use this phrase judiciously to maintain its intended effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extreme dread

Emphasizes the intensity of the fear.

intense terror

Highlights the feeling of terror associated with the fear.

deep-seated fear

Focuses on the entrenched nature of the fear.

profound anxiety

Indicates a significant level of anxiety.

overwhelming apprehension

Suggests a sense of being overpowered by fear.

acute panic

Emphasizes the sudden and intense nature of the panic.

abject terror

Highlights the extreme and degrading nature of the terror.

consuming dread

Suggests that the fear is all-encompassing.

crippling fear

Indicates that the fear is debilitating.

heart-stopping fear

Emphasizes the physical reaction to the fear.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "mortal fear" in a sentence?

Use "mortal fear" to describe situations evoking a sense of extreme danger or life-threatening circumstances. For example, "The hiker felt a "mortal fear" as the bear approached."

What are some phrases similar to "mortal fear"?

Alternatives include "extreme dread", "intense terror", or "deep-seated fear". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "mortal fear" in formal writing?

Yes, "mortal fear" can be used in formal writing when describing appropriately serious or life-threatening situations. However, consider whether a less dramatic phrase might be more suitable depending on your context.

What's the difference between "mortal fear" and a regular fear?

"Mortal fear" denotes an extreme level of fear, often associated with the prospect of death or severe harm. Regular fear might be a more general or less intense feeling of apprehension, thus "mortal fear" should be reserved for particularly frightening experiences.