shared their fears

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shared their fears" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing emotions or concerns that individuals express to others, often in a context of vulnerability or support. Example: "During the group therapy session, participants felt safe enough to share their fears about the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Attendees shared their fears for marginalized groups and called for empathy for others.

Princeton University

Muslim students such as Atia Hussain shared their fears of the travel ban.

The New Yorker

Members shared their fears in talk-therapy sessions, and Aguigui instituted a Head Check, during which they talked through disagreements.

The New Yorker

"Our staff spoke to displaced people who shared their fears of being attacked again if the troops leave," a spokesman for the office, Adrian Edwards, said in a press briefing on Friday.

The New York Times

"Whenever people spoke to you and shared their fears and their story about what they had seen, it was almost on the proviso that they wouldn't make a statement and that they would be scared if you released who those people were that were talking for fear of reprisals to both their selves and their families".

The Guardian

What if Cioffi and Tannin had shared their fears with investors?

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

One out of ten women shared their fear of having an abnormal result.

BMC Women's Health

The children rarely share their fears with their parents, Sara says, much less with visiting journalists.

Independent

Others hoped to create "talking circles" for new arrivals to share their fears.

The New York Times

Others share their fears, frustrations, and thoughts about work with a partner, friend, or colleague.

Harvard Business Review

Conservative Brexiteers will share their fears that the prime minister is preparing to make unacceptable compromises with the EU.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shared their fears" to convey vulnerability and openness in communication. It is especially effective when highlighting emotional responses in groups or communities.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where the subject is unclear or hidden. Ensure it's evident who is doing the sharing and who is receiving the shared fears, to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shared their fears" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating the act of communicating feelings of fear. Ludwig shows examples where this phrase is used to describe how individuals or groups express their anxieties in various situations, fostering understanding or seeking support.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

19%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Wiki

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shared their fears" is a grammatically sound and meaningfully rich expression used to describe the act of communicating anxieties or concerns. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately describes the emotional exchange between individuals. The phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media and academic sources, indicating its relevance in both reporting and scholarly discussions. When aiming for a more formal tone, alternatives such as "expressed their anxieties" or "voiced their concerns" can be considered. The best practice is to use "shared their fears" to underscore vulnerability and open communication, while being mindful of avoiding passive voice to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expressed their anxieties

Focuses on the expression of anxiety, a specific type of fear.

voiced their concerns

Highlights the act of speaking out about worries or troubles.

revealed their apprehensions

Emphasizes the uncovering or disclosure of feelings of unease.

communicated their worries

Focuses on the transmission of worries or anxieties.

divulged their misgivings

Suggests a more intimate or confidential sharing of doubts.

confessed their anxieties

Implies a feeling of guilt or shame associated with the fears.

unburdened themselves of their fears

Highlights the act of relieving oneself by sharing fears.

opened up about their anxieties

Focuses on becoming more open and vulnerable about one's anxieties.

disclosed their concerns

Highlights the act of making concerns known.

expressed their trepidation

Replaces "fears" with a more formal term for apprehension or dread.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "shared their fears" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "expressed their anxieties" or "voiced their concerns". These options maintain a professional tone while conveying the same meaning.

Is there a difference between "shared their fears" and "expressed their fears"?

While similar, "shared their fears" implies a two-way communication, where the listener is often offering support or empathy. "Expressed their fears" simply means they made their fears known, without necessarily implying an exchange.

In what context is it appropriate to use "shared their fears"?

This phrase is suitable when describing a situation where individuals are openly communicating their anxieties or concerns, often in a supportive or empathetic environment. It is common in news reports, academic discussions, and personal narratives.

What are some synonyms for "fears" that can be used with "shared their"?

Alternatives to "fears" include "anxieties", "concerns", "apprehensions", or "misgivings". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. For example, "shared their concerns" might be used in a business context, while "shared their anxieties" is suitable for more personal or emotional contexts.