petrified with fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "petrified with fear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of shock and paralyzing fear, like when someone is confronted with a dangerous or unexpected situation. For example, "The child was petrified with fear when the stranger approached them on the street."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I was really petrified with fear about that because I thought that would, among other things, diminish my will to live.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The passengers were petrified, with most believing that there were terrorists on the plane.

The New York Times

"I was petrified with such a terror it stunned my mind," he has written.

BBC

NFL officials were petrified, fearing it simply wasn't the national anthem as America knew it, and begged her to go for a more traditional reading.

The Guardian - Music

First, they dramatize the fallen state of painting since the nineteen-sixties, when Andy Warhol merged it with mechanical reproduction, and Minimalism petrified it with a basilisk stare.

The New Yorker

With Fear Nuttin Band.

The New York Times - Arts

Many were pricked with fear.

The New York Times

I'm rigid with fear.

Forbes

Be comfortable with fear.

WikiHow

Canadians live in absolute petrified fear of winter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Moreover, a side still to banish slight relegation fears appeared petrified every time Albert Adomah accelerated down the right wing or George Friend slalomed forward from left-back.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "petrified with fear" to vividly describe a state of extreme fear that causes someone to feel frozen or paralyzed. This phrase is effective when you want to emphasize the intensity of the fear and its impact on the person.

Common error

While "petrified with fear" is a powerful expression, overuse can diminish its impact. Vary your descriptions of fear by using different phrases and sensory details to keep your writing fresh and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "petrified with fear" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun (often implied). It describes a state of extreme fear that is so intense it can be paralyzing. As Ludwig AI suggests, the expression denotes a state of shock and paralyzing fear.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

12%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "petrified with fear" is a grammatically sound and effective way to describe a state of intense, paralyzing fear. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in English writing. While it's not the most frequently used expression, it appears across various contexts, especially in news, literature, and narrative writing to vividly depict the emotional impact of fear. To avoid overuse, consider using synonyms like "scared stiff" or "paralyzed with fear" to add variety to your writing and maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

paralyzed with fear

Focuses on the immobilizing effect of intense fear.

frozen with terror

Highlights the sudden and shocking nature of the fear.

stricken with terror

Suggests a sudden and impactful onset of fear.

panic-stricken

Implies a state of extreme anxiety and fear.

scared stiff

More informal and emphasizes physical immobility due to fear.

terrified to the core

Emphasizes the depth and intensity of the fear.

consumed by fear

Emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of the fear.

trembling with fear

Highlights the physical manifestation of fear.

filled with dread

Suggests a sense of impending doom and fear.

aghast with fear

Implies a combination of fear and shock.

FAQs

How can I use "petrified with fear" in a sentence?

You can use "petrified with fear" to describe someone experiencing intense, paralyzing fear. For example, "The hiker was petrified with fear when he encountered a bear on the trail".

What can I say instead of "petrified with fear"?

You can use alternatives like "scared stiff", "paralyzed with fear", or "frozen with terror" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "petrified of fear" instead of "petrified with fear"?

While "petrified of" and "petrified with" can both express fear, "petrified with fear" specifically emphasizes the immobilizing effect of the emotion. "Petrified of" typically indicates the object or source of the fear.

What's the difference between "petrified with fear" and "filled with fear"?

"Petrified with fear" suggests a stronger, more immediate, and paralyzing fear. "Filled with fear" is a more general expression indicating that someone is experiencing fear, but not necessarily to the point of being immobilized. You might be "filled with fear" before a big test, but "petrified with fear" during a sudden, unexpected emergency.