object of dread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "object of dread" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that instills fear or anxiety in others. Example: "The haunted house became the object of dread for the children in the neighborhood, who avoided it at all costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It is a tiny but wondrous object of dread.

The Guardian - Arts

In "One Missed Call," the object of dread is the cellphone -- not any one cellphone, but the system of wireless communication itself, which becomes a kind of superhighway for the transmission of bad karma.

The New York Times

It roams through all temperate and tropical seas, and everywhere is an object of dread.

Wikipedia

Snakes have been a motif in human culture and religion and an object of dread and fascination all over the world.

Wikipedia

Buried in the pile of colorful junk mail advertising realtors and cheap toilet paper lies an object of dread: a summons to jury duty.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

So this is what the world has come to: Mail-o-phobia and mall-o-phobia -- not that it's terribly hard to find other everyday objects of dread.

The New York Times

But when people spill into the abyss, they discover that they aren't allowed to be extremely unhappy as a chronic thing, either, and become the object of impatience, dread and fear – fear that their hopelessness is contagious, as in the case of the bus driver who ran over the soccer star.

Vice

No matter how much time passes, those objects of childhood dread are difficult to see anew.

The New Yorker

In their meticulousness, and even their elaborate rules intended to prevent death or permanent injury, the memos became the object of fascination and dread.

The New York Times

The objects of their attentions dread their ministrations.

The New Yorker

With a few swift strokes, Krouse interlaces Stephanie's and Mona's wildly divergent situations, showing how the laws of biology, economics and chance shape women's lives, turning babies into abstract objects of desire or dread.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: While grammatically sound, "object of dread" can sound somewhat formal. Choose a simpler alternative like "something feared" if a less formal tone is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "object of dread" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly dramatic or pretentious. Opt for simpler, more direct language when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "object of dread" functions as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific entity or concept that elicits fear or intense aversion. It's often used to pinpoint the source of anxiety, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "object of dread" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote something that causes significant fear or anxiety. While deemed correct by Ludwig AI, it's more common in formal writing or news contexts rather than casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "source of fear" or "something feared" may be more appropriate depending on the context. When employing the phrase, be mindful of the tone and audience, opting for simpler language when necessary to avoid sounding overly dramatic. The phrase, while correct, isn't overly common, but its usage is clear and impactful when employed appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

source of fear

Focuses on the origin or cause, rather than the object itself.

cause of terror

Highlights the extreme fear or panic induced.

thing feared

A more direct and simple way to express the concept.

source of anxiety

Emphasizes the anxious or worried feeling produced.

something dreaded

Highlights anticipation of something unpleasant.

matter of concern

Indicates something that causes worry or unease.

specter of doom

Emphasizes a sense of impending disaster or misfortune.

instrument of fear

Focuses on the means by which fear is inflicted.

menace

A shorter, more concise term implying a threat or danger.

bugbear

Refers to a persistent source of worry or irritation.

FAQs

How can I use "object of dread" in a sentence?

The phrase "object of dread" is used to describe something that inspires fear or anxiety. For instance, "For many students, final exams are the "object of dread"."

What are some alternatives to "object of dread"?

Alternatives include "source of fear", "cause of terror", or simply "something feared". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "object of dread" formal or informal?

The phrase "object of dread" leans towards the formal side. Simpler alternatives are more appropriate for informal settings.

What is the difference between "object of dread" and "sense of dread"?

"Object of dread" refers to the specific thing causing the fear, while "sense of dread" describes the feeling of fear itself. For example, the upcoming deadline might be the "object of dread", leading to a general "sense of dread".