of fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is related to or characterized by fear. Example: "The atmosphere in the room was thick with a sense of fear as the storm raged outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I'm full of fear.

The New York Times - Magazine

State of Fear.

The Economist

It's a subject of fear".

The New York Times

"There's a lot of fear".

The New York Times

There's a lot of fear here.

Independent

11 policies of fear and vengeance.

The New York Times

The barrier of fear is broken.

The Economist

"Anger is an expression of fear".

The New Yorker

There's such a climate of fear".

Independent

"He spoke of fear and regrets.

The New York Times

The grip of fear has been broken.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "of fear", ensure it's followed by a noun or noun phrase that specifies the object or cause of the fear. For example, "of fear of failure" is clearer than simply "of fear".

Common error

Avoid using "of fear" without specifying what is causing the fear. Being too vague can make your writing less impactful. Instead of saying "there was a sense of fear", specify "there was a sense of fear of the unknown".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of fear" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb, indicating the source, cause, or reason behind the feeling of fear. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "of fear" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, primarily serving to indicate the cause or source of fear. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both professional and general communication. To maximize clarity, remember to specify the object or cause of fear following the phrase. Common errors involve overgeneralization; hence, explicitness enhances the impact of your writing. Overall, this phrase is a versatile tool for conveying emotional origins in various narrative and expository contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

filled with fear

Emphasizes the state of being overwhelmed by fear, differing in intensity.

motivated by fear

Highlights how fear influences actions, shifting the focus to motivation.

dominated by fear

Suggests that fear is the controlling factor, indicating a stronger influence.

out of apprehension

Uses a more formal term for fear, 'apprehension', changing the register.

in a state of dread

Replaces 'fear' with 'dread,' which implies a more intense and prolonged sense of fear.

with trepidation

Indicates a hesitant or cautious approach due to fear, altering the focus.

due to anxiety

Substitutes 'fear' with 'anxiety', which often refers to a more generalized worry.

because of terror

Emphasizes the intense emotional experience of terror as the cause.

prompted by alarm

Uses 'alarm' to indicate a sudden sense of fear or danger, modifying the context.

rooted in paranoia

Indicates the fear stems from a state of paranoia, suggesting irrationality.

FAQs

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

The phrase "of fear" is typically used to describe the cause or source of fear in a particular situation. For example, "The policy change was born "of fear" of economic instability."

What are some alternatives to "of fear"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "filled with fear", "motivated by fear", or "in a state of dread".

Is it grammatically correct to say "of fear"?

Yes, "of fear" is grammatically correct. It functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun or verb, indicating the reason or cause for fear.

What's the difference between "of fear" and "with fear"?

"Of fear" usually describes the source or cause of the fear, while "with fear" describes the manner in which something is done. For example, "He spoke "of fear"" (source), versus "He approached the task "with fear"" (manner).