out of fear

USAGE SUMMARY

"out of fear" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it to describe a situation in which a person acts a certain way due to fear. For example, "She stayed quiet out of fear of saying the wrong thing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So out of fear, yes," he said.

Independent

"He wasn't running out of fear.

The New York Times

It all comes out of fear".

The New York Times

Not out of fear.

The New York Times - Books

"Let us never negotiate out of fear.

The Guardian

You only voted Magpie out of fear.

The Guardian

Out of fear, they were normalised.

The Guardian - Film

"Not out of fear," he said.

The New York Times

They are aloof, perhaps out of fear.

The New York Times

I did it out of fear.

The Guardian

I'm not for degrading ourselves out of fear.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "out of fear", ensure the context clearly indicates what the fear pertains to. Be specific about the source or object of the fear to enhance clarity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying heavily on "out of fear" can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider varying your phrasing with alternatives like "motivated by fear" or "driven by anxiety" for a more nuanced expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of fear" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating the reason or motivation behind an action. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in explaining why someone behaves in a particular way.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

28%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "out of fear" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to explain actions motivated by fear. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase functions as a causal connector, frequently appearing in news, academic, and general contexts. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatility, while related phrases like "motivated by fear" and "driven by anxiety" offer nuanced alternatives. When using "out of fear", clarity is key: specify the source of the fear to avoid ambiguity. While ubiquitous, varying your phrasing can enhance writing. Remember that while grammatically correct and extremely common, you should remember to be specific and avoid repetition of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motivated by fear

Focuses on the driving force behind an action, emphasizing the influence of fear as a motivator.

driven by anxiety

Highlights the role of anxiety as the primary instigator of the action.

prompted by apprehension

Emphasizes a sense of foreboding or unease that leads to a particular behavior.

because of worry

Directly states that worry is the cause or reason for the action taken.

due to concern

Similar to "because of worry" but focuses on the concern as the reason.

in response to alarm

Suggests a reaction to a sudden feeling of danger or threat.

from a place of insecurity

Indicates that the action stems from a lack of confidence or stability.

under duress

Implies that someone is acting against their will due to pressure or threat.

compelled by terror

Highlights the extreme nature of the fear, suggesting an overwhelming sense of dread.

acting cautiously

Describes a careful and guarded approach, often motivated by the desire to avoid potential harm.

FAQs

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

You can use "out of fear" to explain why someone is doing something. For example: "The witness refused to testify "out of fear" of retaliation."

What are some alternatives to "out of fear"?

Alternatives include "motivated by fear", "driven by anxiety", or "because of worry", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "out of fear" or "because of fear"?

Both "out of fear" and "because of fear" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific flow of the sentence.

In what contexts is "out of fear" commonly used?

"Out of fear" is frequently used in news reports, academic analyses, and general discussions to explain actions or decisions influenced by apprehension or potential danger. As Ludwig AI explains, it is very common in several contexts.