profound fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profound fear" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English to describe a deep or intense feeling of fear.
Here are some examples of how "profound fear" can be used in a sentence: - The students were consumed with profound fear as the gunman entered the classroom. - The dark and eerie forest filled me with a profound fear that I had never experienced before. - The thought of losing her job filled her with a profound fear of financial insecurity. - The child's cries of terror brought about a profound fear in his mother's heart. - The residents of the town lived in a state of profound fear after a series of mysterious disappearances.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

"The narcosis from oxygen and carbon dioxide can cause profound fear and panic".

The New York Times - Sports

Explanations for this collective denial have ranged from profound fear of female sexuality to sheer laziness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is the profound desire for closeness and the profound fear of the other person.

The Guardian - Music

"In my case, that means putting aside my longstanding and profound fear of homosexuals".

The New Yorker

They face difficulties in talking about their experiences due to a profound fear that they will not be believed.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the profound fear of all Palestinian refugees in Lebanon is that their leader intends eventually to trade refugee rights for Israeli recognition of a Palestinian state.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

But China retains profound fears that the Dalai Lama's real intention is to separate Tibet, and adjoining areas, from China (see article).

The Economist

As if to bear out his profound fears of inferiority, he cannot quite hold the center even of his own life story.

The New Yorker

The kidnapping of soldiers in Israel, where military service is mandatory for most Jews, is among the most profound fears for Israelis.

The New York Times

I wondered, then, if the dark acted as a kind of Rorschach test: if our perception of it wasn't also a manifestation of our most profound fears.

The Guardian

The reaction of the Bush administration - Afghanistan, Iraq, Guantánamo, terror clampdowns within America - have generated profound fears about the president's intentions.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's internal state in fiction, use "profound fear" to convey the intensity of their emotions, making the narrative more impactful.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "profound fear" in everyday conversation can sound overly dramatic. Opt for simpler terms like "great fear" or "strong fear" for daily interactions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profound fear" functions as a noun phrase, where "profound" modifies the noun "fear", intensifying its meaning. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "profound fear" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a deep and intense feeling of fear. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is most often found in news and media, as well as in scientific and formal contexts. While versatile, it’s best reserved for situations where emphasizing the depth of the fear is necessary, avoiding overuse in casual conversation. Related phrases like "intense dread" or "deep-seated fear" can provide alternative shades of meaning. Overall, understanding the contexts and connotations of "profound fear" allows for more effective and nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep-seated fear

This alternative emphasizes the deeply rooted nature of the fear, suggesting it is long-lasting and difficult to overcome.

intense dread

This phrase replaces "fear" with "dread" to underscore a feeling of great apprehension and aversion.

overwhelming anxiety

This option focuses on the anxiety component, highlighting the overpowering nature of the feeling.

acute apprehension

This variation uses "apprehension" instead of "fear" to denote a more formal and intense feeling of unease.

consuming terror

This alternative intensifies the fear by using "terror", suggesting an extreme state of fright that dominates one's thoughts.

deep anxiety

This option swaps "profound fear" for "deep anxiety" to emphasize the internal, emotional distress.

great trepidation

This phrase uses "trepidation" to express a nervous or fearful feeling of uncertain agitation.

extreme unease

This alternative uses "unease" to convey a strong sense of discomfort and anxiety.

abject terror

This phrase modifies "terror" with "abject" emphasizing a state of being utterly cast down or degraded, indicating severe fright.

palpable fear

This alternative suggests that the fear is so intense it is almost tangible or easily perceived by others.

FAQs

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

You can use "profound fear" to describe an intense feeling of fear, such as, "The witness experienced a profound fear when recounting the crime."

What are some alternatives to "profound fear"?

Alternatives include "deep-seated fear", "intense dread", or "overwhelming anxiety" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "profound fear" the same as "great fear"?

While both describe a significant level of fear, "profound fear" suggests a deeper, more intense, and often existential level of dread compared to "great fear".

When is it appropriate to use "profound fear" in writing?

"Profound fear" is suitable when describing intense emotional experiences, particularly in formal writing, narratives, or academic contexts where a strong emphasis on the depth of the emotion is needed.