provokes fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provokes fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that causes or incites feelings of fear or anxiety in individuals. Example: "The horror movie was so intense that it provokes fear in even the bravest of viewers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Yet Mein Kampf still provokes fear.

The Guardian - Books

"But now she still provokes fear".

The Guardian

Except that one provokes fear, the other laughter.

The Guardian - Film

But China's rise provokes fear as much as admiration in the region.

The Economist

Change always provokes fear, but I'd once believed that the death of our beloved television would unify all those affected, talent and studios, creators and suits.

The New York Times

What Syriza says provokes fear and doubt everywhere … the markets are reacting because the possibility of elections occurring, and Syriza winning, is interpreted as assured catastrophe for the country".

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

All this provokes fears of chaos, or of an authoritarian backlash.After 32 years of dictatorship, this sudden frenzy of political activity was perhaps predictable.

The Economist

Subway bombing in Chile provokes fears ahead of coup anniversary.

Vice

Related: Subway Bombing in Chile Provokes Fears Ahead of Coup Anniversary.

Vice

Elsewhere institutions provoke fear, contempt or frustration.

The Guardian - Opinion

Terrorist attacks provoke fear around the globe.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "provokes fear", consider the intensity of the emotion you wish to convey. While generally appropriate, stronger verbs like "incites" or "sparks terror" might be more fitting for heightened fear responses.

Common error

Avoid using "provokes fear" excessively in sensationalist writing, as it can undermine the credibility of your message. Opt for more nuanced language to convey a range of emotional responses, such as "creates unease" or "generates concern."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provokes fear" functions as a verb phrase, with "provokes" acting as the verb and "fear" as its direct object. The phrase describes the action of causing or eliciting fear. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a grammatically correct expression. The examples show it used in various contexts to describe what causes feelings of fear.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "provokes fear" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes the action of causing or eliciting fear. Ludwig AI indicates that it is suitable for general use across a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media. The phrase maintains a neutral register and should be used thoughtfully, avoiding overuse in sensationalist writing. While options such as "instills fear", "arouses fear", and "generates fear" offer subtle differences in meaning, they are all suitable alternatives depending on the specific nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instills fear

Emphasizes the act of gradually implanting fear, rather than an immediate reaction.

arouses fear

Suggests a more dormant or latent fear that is awakened.

generates fear

Highlights the creation or production of fear as a result.

incites fear

Indicates a deliberate action to stir up fear.

triggers fear

Implies that something sets off a pre-existing fear.

creates apprehension

Uses a more formal term ("apprehension") for fear, softening the impact.

fosters anxiety

Shifts the focus to the feeling of anxiety rather than direct fear.

sparks terror

Conveys a stronger, more intense level of fear.

causes alarm

Focuses on the sense of alert and worry resulting from fear.

engenders unease

Highlights a feeling of discomfort and anxiety, a subtle form of fear.

FAQs

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

You can use "provokes fear" to describe something that causes fear or anxiety, such as "The movie's intense scenes "provoke fear" in viewers."

What are some alternatives to "provokes fear"?

Alternatives include "instills fear", "arouses fear", or "generates fear" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "provokes fear" or "causes fear"?

"Provokes fear" often suggests a more immediate and intense reaction than "causes fear". While both are correct, the choice depends on the desired emphasis. You might use "causes fear" for long-term effects, and "provokes fear" for immediate reactions.

How does "provokes fear" differ from "instills fear"?

"Provokes fear" suggests an immediate reaction, while "instills fear" implies a gradual process of implanting fear over time. The former is a reaction, the latter is a deliberate action or prolonged exposure.