palpable fear

USAGE SUMMARY

"palpable fear" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong feeling of fear that is tangible and can be felt or sensed. This phrase can be used in various contexts, such as describing a character's emotions in a novel, a news report on a frightening event, or in a personal reflection on a scary experience. Example: As she walked down the dark, deserted street, she felt a palpable fear creeping up her spine. Every small noise caused her heart to race, and she quickened her pace, desperate to reach her destination.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Despite the palpable fear, "it felt so good".

The New Yorker

He even displays palpable fear at one point.

The Guardian - Film

Now, there is a palpable fear that the good life is gone, perhaps for good.

The New York Times

I hear the palpable fear of the world in this monologue, and I don't hear a caricature at all.

The Guardian - Books

There was palpable fear that it would destroy much of West Africa and begin reaching the United States at scale.

The Washington Post

There was a palpable fear that the hot-blooded second city was going it alone, that the few thousand protesters were lambs going to slaughter.

The Guardian

A palpable fear of the contemporary far right underpins the obsessive correction of errors, the challenging of antisemitic stereotypes, and the countering of false representations of history.

The Guardian - Books

If the educated middle class is uninvolved it is because there is no palpable fear of a "pretty little girl" or "clean-cut little boy" being infected.

The Guardian - Opinion

Behind the mask of indifference to young women and the jokey and sometimes brutal remarks young men make there is a palpable fear.

The Guardian - Opinion

Experts, however, can barely imagine Japan meeting its energy needs without them.A government under siegeThe palpable fear of the unknown can be heard in the words of Katsunobu Sakurai, the mayor of Minamisoma.

The Economist

Mr Greenspan is right that "the palpable fear that dominated financial markets" in the 1998 liquidity crisis is absent today for one thing, financial institutions have more capital and a better idea of what risks are in their portfolios.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "palpable fear" to describe situations where the fear is not just felt internally but is also visibly or tangibly present in the atmosphere or among a group of people. It is suitable for adding intensity and emotional depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "palpable fear" in situations that are only mildly concerning. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios where the fear is genuinely intense and pervasive, not for everyday anxieties or minor worries.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "palpable fear" functions as a descriptive element, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun to intensify the emotional impact. It describes fear that is not only present but also easily felt or perceived. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "palpable fear" is a phrase used to describe a sense of fear that is so strong it can almost be physically felt or easily perceived. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. With 63 real-world examples, it is most frequently found in News & Media. When writing, reserve "palpable fear" for scenarios where the fear is genuine and pervasive to avoid overuse. Alternatives include "obvious fear" and "tangible fear", which offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tangible fear

Suggests that the fear is so strong it can almost be touched or physically felt, indicating a very intense and pervasive sense of fear.

unmistakable fear

Emphasizes that the fear is so obvious there can be no doubt about its existence or intensity. No possibility of misinterpretation is allowed.

obvious fear

Emphasizes the clarity and ease with which the fear can be seen or understood. This implies a lack of subtlety or concealment in the expression of fear.

manifest fear

Highlights that the fear is openly displayed or demonstrated, focusing on its outward expression rather than its internal feeling.

evident fear

Highlights the readily apparent nature of the fear, focusing on how easily it can be detected or noticed. The intensity may not be as emphasized.

conspicuous fear

Indicates that the fear stands out and is very noticeable, drawing attention to itself. The intensity of the emotion is not the primary focus.

noticeable fear

Stresses that the fear is easily observed, putting emphasis on its visibility. This alternative is less intense than the query.

clear fear

Highlights the lack of ambiguity in the fear, making it straightforward and easy to recognize. The clarity is prioritized over the intensity.

detectable fear

Focuses on the ability to perceive the fear, implying that even subtle signs of fear are present and noticeable.

plain fear

Suggests that the fear is simple and direct, without any additional layers or complexities. The intensity is not as emphasized as in the original phrase.

FAQs

How can "palpable fear" be used in a sentence?

You can use "palpable fear" to describe a situation where fear is not only felt but also very evident. For example: "There was a "palpable fear" in the air as the storm approached".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "palpable fear"?

Phrases like "obvious fear", "tangible fear", or "evident fear" can be used as alternatives depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "palpable fear" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "palpable fear" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when you want to emphasize the intensity and tangibility of the fear being described. It is common in news reports, academic analyses, and professional contexts.

What is the difference between "palpable fear" and "latent fear"?

"Palpable fear" refers to fear that is easily perceived or felt, while "latent fear" refers to fear that exists but is not yet obvious or active. "Palpable fear" is out in the open; latent fear is hidden.