shake with fear

USAGE SUMMARY

"shake with fear" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a person who is experiencing fear or terror so intensely that they are physically reacting by shaking. For example, "The audience members began to shake with fear when they heard the gunshot."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Think about Jhansi Lakshmi, who as a woman single-handedly made the British shake with fear.

The New York Times

"The word shuanggui alone is enough to make officials shake with fear," said Ding Xikui, a prominent defense lawyer here.

The New York Times

The thought of it all makes me shake with fear.

Vice

Women shake with fear at the thought of having to sell their homes.

Huffington Post

The last Orc left standing alive might start to shake (with fear) and run away.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Nott shook with fear.

The New Yorker

His arms and legs shook with fear.

The New York Times

"I was shaking with fear,'' she said.

The New York Times

The children were left crying and shaking with fear.

The New York Times

Albany officials are not exactly shaking with fear.

The New York Times

They start shaking with fear in their boots.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shake with fear" to vividly describe a character's or person's intense emotional and physical reaction to a frightening situation. This phrase is effective in conveying vulnerability and helplessness.

Common error

Avoid using "shake with fear" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make the writing seem melodramatic. Opt for varied expressions of fear to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shake with fear" functions as a vivid descriptor, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that the subject is experiencing intense fear. It's a straightforward expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, used to convey a strong emotional and physical response.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shake with fear" is a grammatically sound and evocative phrase used to portray intense fear. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While relatively rare in occurrence, it is found across various contexts, primarily in news and media. The phrase effectively conveys vulnerability and terror, making it a powerful descriptor in both formal and informal writing. Consider alternatives like "tremble with fear" or "shiver with fear" to add variety to your writing and avoid overuse of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tremble with fear

Emphasizes the physical trembling caused by fear, similar to the original phrase.

quake with fear

Suggests a more intense and violent shaking due to extreme fear.

shiver with fear

Highlights the cold sensation and involuntary shivering that fear can induce.

cower in fear

Focuses on the act of shrinking or hiding oneself due to fear.

recoil in terror

Indicates a sudden, involuntary movement away from something frightening.

be paralyzed by fear

Describes the inability to move or act due to overwhelming fear.

freeze in fright

Similar to being paralyzed, this suggests a sudden and complete stop in movement due to fear.

be petrified with fear

Implies a state of being utterly terrified, as if turned to stone.

be gripped by terror

Emphasizes the feeling of being seized or overwhelmed by intense fear.

be terrified to the core

Highlights the deep and pervasive nature of the fear experienced.

FAQs

What does "shake with fear" mean?

The phrase "shake with fear" describes the physical manifestation of intense fear, causing a person to tremble or shiver involuntarily.

How can I use "shake with fear" in a sentence?

You might say, "The character began to "shake with fear" as the monster approached", illustrating the character's terror.

What are some alternatives to "shake with fear"?

You can use alternatives like "tremble with fear", "shiver with fear", or "quake with fear" to express a similar meaning with slight nuances.

Is it more appropriate to say "shaking with fear" or "shake with fear"?

"Shaking with fear" is a present participle phrase that indicates an ongoing action, whereas "shake with fear" is the base form of the verb used in a more general context. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the ongoing trembling action or describe a potential reaction.