sense of fear

USAGE SUMMARY

"sense of fear" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe the feeling of fear or unease that someone experiences. Here is an example sentence: "Maria's heart raced as she walked down the dark, deserted alleyway, her sense of fear growing with each step."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is a palpable sense of fear.

The New York Times

"There's a sense of fear.

The New York Times

But the sense of fear is real.

The Guardian

There was a heightened sense of fear.

The Guardian

Other activists echoed the sense of fear that envelops Homs.

Independent

Faces reflect an authentic sense of fear and gravity.

The New York Times - Books

It's hard for you to imagine their sense of fear.

The New York Times

Politics goes that way because of the sense of fear".

The New Yorker

There's a real sense of fear here - at least initially.

The Guardian - Film

A sense of fear has permeated the area.

The New York Times

He remembers a sense of fear coming over the town.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sense of fear" to convey an emotional response to a perceived threat or danger, creating a vivid and relatable experience for the reader.

Common error

Avoid overuse. Vary your descriptions of fear by using synonyms like "dread", "apprehension", or "anxiety" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of fear" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig shows the phrase is commonly used to describe an emotional state or reaction to a perceived threat.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of fear" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the feeling of apprehension or anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While interchangeable with phrases like "feeling of dread" or "climate of apprehension", varying your word choice can enhance your writing. Remember to use it appropriately to convey the emotional impact of a perceived threat, and avoid overuse to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of dread

Focuses on the intense apprehension and anxiety associated with fear.

atmosphere of terror

Highlights the pervasive and encompassing nature of fear in a particular environment.

climate of apprehension

Emphasizes the widespread and sustained feeling of unease and worry.

air of trepidation

Suggests a subtle but noticeable feeling of anxiety and hesitation.

growing unease

Implies an increasing level of discomfort and anxiety.

palpable anxiety

Indicates a readily perceivable and intense feeling of worry.

heightened awareness of danger

Focuses on the increased perception and sensitivity to potential threats.

feeling insecure

Focuses on a general feeling of lack of safety or stability.

rising panic

Highlights the escalating nature of intense fear and desperation.

impending doom

Suggests a belief that something terrible is about to happen.

FAQs

How can I use "sense of fear" in a sentence?

You can use "sense of fear" to describe the feeling someone experiences in a threatening situation. For example, "A "sense of fear" washed over her as she walked through the dark forest."

What are some alternatives to "sense of fear"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "feeling of dread", "atmosphere of terror", or "climate of apprehension" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "a sense of fear" or "the sense of fear"?

Both "a "sense of fear"" and "the "sense of fear"" are grammatically correct, but the choice depends on the specific context. "A" implies a general feeling, while "the" implies a specific or already-mentioned feeling.

How does "sense of fear" differ from "feeling of fear"?

While similar, ""sense of fear"" suggests a more intuitive or instinctual understanding of danger, whereas "feeling of fear" may refer to a more direct emotional response. They are often interchangeable.