mounting fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mounting fear" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is a common phrase used to describe a growing or increasing level of fear. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as in literature, news articles, and personal writing. Example: As the storm grew closer, Sarah felt a mounting fear in her chest. She knew she needed to find shelter before it was too late.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

TV & Radio

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

And mounting fear.

The New York Times - Magazine

Another sign of mounting fear is that banks are hoarding again.

The Economist

The mounting fear about European banks' exposure to sovereign debt is now fraying nerves here.

The New York Times

The dollar's rise, and the mounting fear of a slowdown in global growth, sent commodities prices lower.

The New York Times

It is moving to expel him from parliament.The real reason for the crackdown is probably the president's mounting fear that he could soon be ousted from power legally.

The Economist

Graeber's theory is that in the late 1960s and early 1970s there was mounting fear about a society of hippie proles with too much time on their hands.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

There are mounting fears that the Democratic caucuses in 2016 may go the same way.

The Guardian

Mounting fears about debt levels appear to lie behind the decline.

The Guardian

Despite the warnings and mounting fears, 2,000 people in one coastal town refused to evacuate.

The Guardian

What I probably need is a holiday from my own annoying brain and its mounting fears and low-level prejudices.

Independent

But the cross mood also reflects mounting fears of a possible "Grexit", or Greek departure from the euro.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's internal state, "mounting fear" can create a strong emotional connection with the reader, especially in suspenseful or thriller narratives.

Common error

Avoid having characters explicitly state they feel "mounting fear" too often in dialogue. Show, don't tell, through their actions and descriptions of their physical sensations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mounting fear" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an emotion that is intensifying over time, with "mounting" acting as a gerund modifying the noun "fear". According to Ludwig AI, the expression is grammatically correct and in common use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

20%

TV & Radio

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mounting fear" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an escalating sense of dread. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. Predominantly found in news and media, it effectively communicates growing anxiety in response to uncertain or threatening situations. While versatile, it is advisable to use this term with sensitivity and contextual awareness, and it's important to avoid overusing it in dialogues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

growing apprehension

Emphasizes a gradual increase in unease, similar to mounting fear but with a focus on preliminary anxiety.

increasing dread

Highlights the looming sense of impending doom that intensifies the feeling of fear.

escalating anxiety

Focuses on the psychological aspect of fear, highlighting the increase in anxious thoughts and feelings.

rising panic

Suggests an abrupt and overwhelming surge of fear, emphasizing the loss of control.

swelling dread

Highlights the emotional volume and intensity of the fear, suggesting that it becomes overpowering.

intensifying alarm

Emphasizes that the fear is a sudden realization of danger, and the emotional reaction to it grows rapidly.

accumulating trepidation

Highlights the gradual piling up of anxious expectations before a challenging or dangerous situation.

building trepidation

Suggests a slow and steady progression of worry and unease about what might happen.

burgeoning worry

Highlights the initial stages of fear caused by a growing sense of concern.

developing disquiet

Emphasizes the origin of the fear and the sense of inner disturbance it causes.

FAQs

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

You can use "mounting fear" to describe a situation where fear is gradually increasing. For instance, "As the deadline approached, a "mounting fear" gripped the project team".

What are some alternatives to "mounting fear"?

Alternatives include "growing apprehension", "increasing dread", or "escalating anxiety", each offering a slightly different nuance to the sense of increasing fear. Consider using "growing apprehension" /s/growing+apprehension to describe a vague feeling of unease or "increasing dread" /s/increasing+dread for impending doom.

Is "mounting fear" formal or informal?

"Mounting fear" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone of your writing or conversation. It's common in news articles, novels, and academic papers.

What causes "mounting fear"?

The causes of "mounting fear" can vary widely, from personal insecurities and social pressures to environmental threats and political instability. It generally arises from situations perceived as increasingly dangerous or uncertain.