mounting fears

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mounting fears" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an increasing sense of anxiety or apprehension about a situation. Example: "As the deadline approached, mounting fears about the project's success began to overwhelm the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

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

The Guardian

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

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

This desire will help me overcome my mounting fears and remind me of what I must survive this for.

The New York Times

Dispassionately, Mr. Krist describes the frantic rescue efforts, the mounting fears of the passengers and the malevolent, unending storm.

The New York Times

But mounting fears over its safety could unravel Toyota's attempts to dominate the growing market in fuel-efficient vehicles.

The Guardian - Business

Meanwhile there are mounting fears that some of General Wiranto's military supporters may be plotting a coup.

The New York Times

A few spoke of both their rabbi's loss and their own mounting fears for loved ones in Israel.

The New York Times

Chancellor George Osborne inched closer to meeting his deficit reduction targets today despite mounting fears over the strength of the economy.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mounting fears" to convey a sense of growing unease or apprehension about a specific situation or event. It is particularly effective when discussing potential negative outcomes or risks.

Common error

Avoid using "mounting fears" in overly dramatic or sensationalized contexts where a more nuanced expression of concern would be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mounting fears" functions as a noun phrase, where "mounting" acts as a present participle adjective modifying the noun "fears". As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is used to describe a state of increasing anxiety or worry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mounting fears" is a common and grammatically correct way to express an increasing sense of anxiety or apprehension, as validated by Ludwig. Predominantly used in news and media contexts, it effectively communicates growing concerns about various situations, from economic instability to global health crises. While versatile, it is important to avoid overuse in sensationalized contexts to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "rising concerns" or "growing anxieties" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Overall, "mounting fears" serves as a concise and impactful way to convey escalating anxieties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

growing anxieties

Emphasizes the increase in anxiety rather than the fear itself.

rising concerns

Focuses on the concerns that are causing the fear, rather than the fear itself.

escalating worries

Highlights the rapid increase or escalation of worries.

increasing apprehensions

Uses a more formal synonym for worries, suggesting a more considered concern.

intensifying dread

Suggests a stronger, more visceral feeling of fear and foreboding.

accumulating anxieties

Presents the fears as gradually building up over time.

swelling unease

Emphasizes the growing feeling of discomfort and anxiety.

burgeoning doubts

Shifts the focus to the doubts and uncertainties that fuel the fears.

amplifying alarms

Focuses on the increasing signals or warnings that provoke the fear.

heightening insecurities

Centers the sentiment on the increasing feelings of lack of confidence and safety

FAQs

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

You can use "mounting fears" to describe an increasing sense of worry about a situation. For example, "There are "mounting fears" that the economic downturn will worsen."

What are some alternatives to "mounting fears"?

Alternatives include "rising concerns", "growing anxieties", or "escalating worries". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "mounting fears" or "increasing fears"?

"Mounting fears" and "increasing fears" are similar, but "mounting" suggests a gradual build-up of apprehension, while "increasing" simply indicates a rise in fear. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the gradual accumulation of worry.

What kind of situations are commonly associated with "mounting fears"?

"Mounting fears" are often associated with situations involving economic instability, political uncertainty, health crises, or environmental threats. These are contexts where anxieties tend to increase over time.