our biggest fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "our biggest fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concerns or anxieties that a group of people share, often in a context of vulnerability or apprehension. Example: "As we face the challenges ahead, our biggest fear is that we may not be able to overcome the obstacles in our path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"Our biggest fear is a power-failure," said Dr. Kwok.

The New York Times - Science

What is our biggest fear when it comes to retirement?

The Washington Post

"Our biggest fear is the fear of the unknown," he said.

The New York Times

Our biggest fear was that G.M. was going to file for bankruptcy.

The New York Times

Our biggest fear is that the fighting will surround the hospital.

The Guardian

I think our biggest fear is we wouldn't be able to capitalize on that.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

For instance, "our big fear is that in accidents in driverless cars, the human being is still going to be considered at fault because robots are presumed not to make mistakes," Court said.

Los Angeles Times

The "robot car shouldn't be developed without a formal process for the public to weigh in with their concerns". For instance, "our big fear is that in accidents in driverless cars, the human being is still going to be considered at fault because robots are presumed not to make mistakes," Court said.

Los Angeles Times

It takes talent to embody a character who's most like the rest of us – or more accurately, a character who embodies all of our biggest fears.

The Guardian - Opinion

There's a hot new Web site making the rounds that mines your Facebook account and inserts your photo and other information into a creepy video -- playing right into our biggest fears about privacy and the information we share online.

The New York Times

Memory loss has to be one of our biggest fears.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "our biggest fear" to express a collective anxiety or concern shared by a group, community, or organization to create a sense of shared experience and understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "our biggest fear" when expressing a personal anxiety that is not widely shared by the group you are representing. Ensure the fear is genuinely representative of the collective sentiment to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "our biggest fear" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It identifies and names the most significant apprehension held by a group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "our biggest fear" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to articulate a collective anxiety or concern. As Ludwig AI points out, it effectively identifies and names the most significant apprehension held by a group, frequently appearing in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the fear is genuinely shared by the group and clearly explain the potential negative consequences to emphasize its significance. Consider alternatives like "our greatest anxiety" or "our primary concern" to fine-tune the intended meaning. By following these guidelines, you can use "our biggest fear" with clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

our greatest anxiety

Replaces "fear" with "anxiety", suggesting a more persistent and generalized worry.

our primary concern

Shifts the focus to a "concern", which can be a more rational or practical worry than a "fear".

our main apprehension

Uses "apprehension" to denote a feeling of anxiety or dread about the future.

what we dread most

Emphasizes the feeling of intense aversion and anticipation of something unpleasant.

the thing we fear most

A more descriptive alternative, specifying "the thing" that is feared.

our deepest worry

Substitutes "fear" with "worry", highlighting the mental distress aspect.

our overriding concern

Indicates a concern that takes precedence over all others.

the worst-case scenario

Focuses on the most negative potential outcome that is feared.

what keeps us up at night

An idiomatic expression emphasizing the anxiety and worry associated with the fear.

the thing we're most afraid of

A slightly more informal rephrasing emphasizing the emotional aspect of being "afraid".

FAQs

How can I use "our biggest fear" in a sentence?

You can use "our biggest fear" to express a collective concern or anxiety. For example, "Our biggest fear is that the company will be forced to lay off employees.".

What are some alternatives to "our biggest fear"?

Alternatives include "our greatest anxiety", "our primary concern", or "our main apprehension", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "our biggest fear"?

Yes, "our biggest fear" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express a shared concern or anxiety within a group.

What's the difference between "our biggest fear" and "our deepest fear"?

"Our biggest fear" generally refers to the most prominent or significant fear, while "our deepest fear" suggests a fear that is more profound or emotionally intense.