sense of dread

USAGE SUMMARY

'sense of dread' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to an overwhelming feeling of fear, anxiety, or fear of the unknown. For example, "The darkness of the forest filled her with a sense of dread."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Film

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

No real sense of dread.

The Guardian - Film

I feel a familiar sense of dread.

The Guardian

The sense of dread left me.

The New York Times - Tech

He felt an overwhelming sense of dread.

The Guardian - Books

But a sense of dread pervades them.

The New Yorker

Awaits with a sense of dread his expected letter.

The New Yorker

But it also lent a sense of dread.

The New York Times

Massive!" Now he felt a growing sense of dread.

The New York Times

A consistent sense of dread, topped with some dead.

The New York Times

A sense of dread is creeping over Philadelphia.

The New York Times

The terror lessened to a milder sense of dread.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary to maintain reader engagement. Consider using alternative phrases such as "feeling of impending doom", or "foreboding feeling", especially if you've already used "sense of dread" multiple times in a single piece.

Common error

Avoid overusing "sense of dread" in close proximity. Too much repetition can dilute the impact of the phrase and make your writing seem monotonous. Use it sparingly to maintain its effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of dread" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a subjective experience, specifically a feeling of fear or anxiety about something that might happen. Ludwig examples show its use in describing internal emotional states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Books

15%

Film

3%

Less common in

Sports

2%

Travel

2%

Arts

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sense of dread" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a feeling of intense fear or anxiety, often in anticipation of a negative event. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity. Predominantly found in News & Media, Books, and Film, it serves to convey unease or suspense. While versatile, consider alternatives to avoid overuse. Its suitability spans from neutral to slightly formal contexts. The examples illustrate its effectiveness in depicting characters' internal states and creating atmospheric tension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense of foreboding

Is a more formal way to describe something bad is coming.

impending fear

Focuses on the fear that is close and unavoidable.

feeling of impending doom

Focuses on the anticipation of a negative event.

foreboding feeling

Emphasizes a premonition of something bad about to happen.

growing apprehension

Emphasizes the increase in anxiety or worry over time.

creeping anxiety

Highlights the gradual onset and unsettling nature of the anxiety.

palpable fear

Highlights the tangibility or intensity of the fear.

uneasy feeling

Describes a milder form of discomfort or anxiety.

nagging worry

Describes a persistent and bothersome concern.

gathering storm

Suggests that something negative is gradually intensifying.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "sense of dread" in a sentence?

Employ "sense of dread" to describe a character's anticipation of something terrible, or to create a suspenseful atmosphere. For instance, "A "sense of dread" washed over her as she approached the old house."

What are some alternatives to "sense of dread"?

You can use alternatives like "feeling of impending doom", "foreboding feeling", or "uneasy feeling" to vary your language.

Is "sense of dread" appropriate for formal writing?

"Sense of dread" is suitable for various contexts, but for highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "sense of foreboding" for a more elevated tone.

What's the difference between "sense of dread" and "sense of fear"?

"Sense of dread" often implies anticipation of something negative, whereas "sense of fear" refers to an immediate feeling of being afraid. Dread is about what might happen; fear is about what is happening.