provoking fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provoking fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is causing or inciting fear in others, often in discussions about horror, danger, or anxiety-inducing situations. Example: "The movie was so intense that it was provoking fear in the audience from the very first scene."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It has nothing to do with provoking fear among animal researchers (We can experiment on monkeys without harming them. Scientists should not be frightened away, Editorial, 26 May).

The Guardian

That leads politicians to take aggressive foreign-policy positions which then harm the country's actual interests by provoking fear and antipathy abroad, and generating a counter-reaction.

The Economist

Though using falconry as a deterrent relies on provoking fear — that hooked beak, those fearsome talons — it is often more humane than the alternatives.

The New Yorker

They have a particular responsibility to reflect on the consequences of headlines and stories in provoking fear and anger between different groups.

The Guardian

A blizzard of subpoenas from the recording industry seeking the identities of people suspected of illegally swapping music is provoking fear, anger and professions of remorse as the targets of the antipiracy dragnet learn that they may soon be sued for hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages.

The New York Times

A1 Music Pirates and the Law A blizzard of subpoenas from the recording industry seeking the identities of people suspected of illegally swapping music is provoking fear and professions of remorse as the targets of the anti-piracy dragnet learn that they may be sued for hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Indian internet companies started shutting off the 857 websites on a government-mandated list over the weekend, provoking fears about free speech and censorship on the internet.

Independent

The prospect of a nuclear Iran is provoking fears of a new war in the Middle East and doubts about the durability of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.

The New York Times

One has been to stoke sectarian tension by provoking fears among Syria's many minorities of a backlash by extremists within the Sunni majority.

The Economist

Through powerful lobbying Big Tobacco was able to defend half a million deaths a year caused from cigarettes by provoking fears that freedom and choice were threatened – the sort of arguments now used by the food lobby.

The Guardian

The police arrested a Malaysian opposition lawmaker and two journalists on Friday under a law that allows the authorities to detain them indefinitely without trial, provoking fears of a government crackdown on dissent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provoking fear", consider the specific context and the degree of intensity you want to convey. Choose synonyms like "inciting fear" or "arousing fear" to fine-tune the emotional impact on your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "provoking fear" excessively in contexts where the intent is to sensationalize or create unnecessary alarm. Opt for more neutral alternatives such as "raising concerns" or "prompting caution" to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provoking fear" functions as a verb phrase typically used to describe the action of causing or inducing a state of fear in someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its purpose is to highlight the cause-and-effect relationship between an action and the resulting fear.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provoking fear" is a grammatically correct and usable verb phrase that describes the action of causing fear. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for use in written English. It appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, followed by Wiki and Science. Alternative phrases include ""inciting fear"" and ""instilling fear"", each with slightly different nuances. While generally neutral to formal in tone, it's crucial to avoid overuse in sensationalist writing to maintain credibility. Understanding its connotations and contexts ensures its effective and appropriate use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inciting fear

Focuses on actively stirring up fear, often with a deliberate intent.

instilling fear

Implies a gradual and deliberate process of causing fear.

arousing fear

Suggests awakening a pre-existing sense of fear.

generating fear

Emphasizes the creation or production of fear as a consequence.

eliciting fear

Focuses on drawing out a response of fear.

triggering fear

Highlights the act of setting off an existing fear response.

causing apprehension

Uses a more subdued term than "fear", focusing on anxiety or unease.

creating alarm

Highlights the sense of sudden danger or threat.

inspiring terror

Conveys a stronger sense of dread than "provoking fear".

fostering anxiety

Focuses on the creation of persistent worry or nervousness.

FAQs

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

You can use "provoking fear" to describe actions or events that cause a sense of fear in someone. For example: "The horror movie was "provoking fear" in the audience" or "The politician's speech was aimed at "provoking fear" among voters".

What are some alternatives to "provoking fear"?

Some alternatives to "provoking fear" include "inciting fear", "instilling fear", "arousing fear", or "generating fear". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "provoking fear" a negative or positive phrase?

"Provoking fear" typically carries a negative connotation, as fear is generally considered an undesirable emotion. However, it can be used neutrally to describe situations or media intended to elicit fear, such as horror movies or thrillers.

Which is more accurate, "provoking fear" or "instilling fear"?

Both "provoking fear" and "instilling fear" are accurate, but they have slightly different nuances. "Provoking fear" suggests a more immediate and direct cause, while "instilling fear" implies a gradual process of creating a sense of fear over time.