serious fears

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious fears" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing significant concerns or anxieties about a particular situation or issue. Example: "The community expressed serious fears about the potential environmental impact of the new factory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"There are very serious fears about being dwarfed".

The New York Times

So Mr. Barrasso is predicting sticker shock precisely when serious fears of such a shock are fading fast.

The New York Times

In 2010 and 2011 the economy grew by a China-like 9%, leading to serious fears of overheating.GDP growth slowed to 2% in 2012.

The Economist

He warns that in the short term, there are serious fears that Chinese companies are overvalued: since March, the MSCI China index has increased by 59.6 per cent.

Independent

An aide to the outgoing prime minister, Lucas Papademos, said there were "serious fears that the banks were running out of money".

The Guardian

Baba Amr is locked down; after the barrage and the withdrawal of the Free Syrian Army, there are serious fears for the civilians who remain.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Further bloodshed is another serious fear.

The New York Times

"Now, he felt serious fear and trauma because he thought, 'Wow, I can also die tomorrow'.

The Guardian

If you've got a serious fear of heights, you are not going to be comfortable watching this movie".

The Guardian - Film

The Tokyo Electric Power Company, which owns the Fukushima reactor complex, withdrew all but about fifty workers from this site, which would indicate very serious fear for their safety.

The New Yorker

I now recall that she believed she had drowned in a previous life and in this, had one serious fear: "deep, dark water".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider intensifying the impact of "serious fears" by coupling it with an explanation of potential consequences. Example: "There are serious fears of job losses if the factory closes."

Common error

Avoid using "serious fears" when the concerns are relatively minor or speculative. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and credibility. Reserve it for situations with genuinely significant potential consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious fears" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It identifies and describes significant anxieties or concerns about potential negative outcomes or future events. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serious fears" effectively communicates significant anxieties or concerns, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically sound and commonly used in news, science, and business contexts to express worry or alarm about potential negative outcomes. Alternatives like "grave concerns" or "deep anxieties" offer similar but nuanced expressions. When employing this phrase, clarity and context are crucial to ensure accurate and impactful communication. Consider whether alternative expressions, like "legitimate concerns", are more appropriate for the context at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grave concerns

Emphasizes the weight and importance of the concerns.

deep anxieties

Highlights the emotional distress and worry involved.

profound worries

Indicates a deep-seated and significant level of worry.

considerable apprehensions

Suggests a notable degree of unease and anticipation of potential problems.

significant concerns

Stresses the importance and impact of the concerns.

mounting anxieties

Indicates an increasing level of anxiety over time.

rising apprehensions

Suggests a growing sense of unease about future events.

intense worries

Highlights the high degree of worry and stress.

genuine fears

Emphasizes the authenticity and sincerity of the fears.

legitimate concerns

Indicates that the concerns are well-founded and justifiable.

FAQs

How can I use "serious fears" in a sentence?

You can use "serious fears" to express significant concerns about potential negative outcomes. For instance, "There are "serious fears" that the new policy will harm small businesses".

What are some alternatives to "serious fears"?

Alternatives include "grave concerns", "deep anxieties", or "profound worries", each carrying slightly different nuances.

When is it appropriate to use "serious fears" in writing?

Use "serious fears" when discussing substantial and well-founded concerns that have significant potential consequences. It's suitable for situations where the anxieties are not merely speculative but based on tangible evidence or credible risks.

What's the difference between "serious fears" and "minor concerns"?

"Serious fears" indicate significant anxieties about potentially harmful outcomes, while "minor concerns" refer to smaller, less impactful worries. The choice depends on the actual gravity of the situation.