sheer dread

USAGE SUMMARY

"sheer dread" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an informal way to describe a feeling of intense fear or apprehension. For example: "The dark, foreboding forest filled me with sheer dread."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

These sessions left him violently ill, not just after the treatment but also sometimes before it -- from sheer dread.

The New York Times - Magazine

Behind all this busy reinvention of the wheel of life, of course, sheer dread lies in wait: the fear that we're fast gaining upon that demarcation line where you stop being young and you start being something else entirely, someone belonging to a different order of nomenclature.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Anyone who has ever tried to explain that day to someone who wasn't there knows that it is impossible to impart the sheer terror and dread.

The New York Times

To see the sheer misery and nauseated dread on the faces of the living soldiers was highly distressing and, just for a moment, because the cameraman had been there, I was granted a tiny glimpse of the reality of what these young men, these boys, were going through.

The New York Times

Remember the sense of sheer excitement and mild dread that came over you the moment you escaped Shinra's forces on Cloud's bike, only to realize that the real game had only just begun?

Vice

Remember the sense of sheer excitement and mild dread that came over you the moment you escaped Shinra's forces on Cloud's bike, only to realise that the real game had only just begun?

Vice

It was replaced by a sense of awe at the sheer number of etchings, which in turn gave rise to a sensation of mild dread when I realized that they all mostly depict the same image bighorn sheep.

Vice

The sheer terror of "Psycho" is less complex, and less rewarding for the audience, than the metaphysical dread that informs "Vertigo".

The New York Times

Sheer fear, sheer terror.

Independent

Sheer illusion.

The New York Times - Books

Sheer genius.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheer dread" to emphasize an intense and overwhelming feeling of fear or apprehension, often in situations where the cause is significant or the potential consequences are dire.

Common error

Avoid using "sheer dread" to describe mild anxieties or common worries. The word "sheer" indicates an extreme level, so reserve this phrase for situations where the fear is truly overwhelming.

Linguistic Context

Sheer dread functions as a noun phrase that describes a state of intense fear or apprehension. It combines the adjective "sheer", emphasizing the extreme degree, with the noun "dread", indicating a feeling of great fear or anxiety. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Sheer dread" is a phrase used to express an intense and overwhelming feeling of fear or apprehension. Grammatically sound and generally acceptable, according to Ludwig AI, it is relatively infrequent but carries a specific nuance of extreme fear. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase combines "sheer" to amplify the intensity of "dread". While its formality is neutral, writers should reserve it for situations where the fear is genuinely profound. Alternatives like "absolute terror" or "utter terror" can be considered for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolute terror

Emphasizes the complete and overwhelming nature of the fear.

utter terror

Highlights the complete and intense degree of terror experienced.

pure horror

Focuses on the unadulterated and intense feeling of horror.

intense anxiety

Highlights the severe level of anxiety experienced.

palpable fear

Emphasizes that the fear is so strong it feels tangible.

acute apprehension

Focuses on a heightened sense of worry and unease.

overwhelming fear

Highlights the feeling of being overcome by fear.

profound terror

Stresses the deep and significant impact of the terror.

deep-seated fear

Focuses on the deeply rooted and persistent nature of the fear.

unmitigated dread

Emphasizes that the dread is not lessened or relieved in any way.

FAQs

How can I use "sheer dread" in a sentence?

Use "sheer dread" to describe an overwhelming feeling of fear or apprehension. For example, "The thought of public speaking filled her with "sheer dread"".

What's the difference between "sheer dread" and "mild apprehension"?

"Sheer dread" implies an intense and overwhelming fear, whereas "mild apprehension" suggests a slight unease or worry. The intensity of the emotion is the key difference.

What can I say instead of "sheer dread"?

You can use alternatives like "absolute terror", "utter terror", or "pure horror" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sheer dread" an appropriate phrase to use in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "sheer dread" might be perceived as slightly informal. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "profound terror" or "intense anxiety" if a more serious and academic tone is desired.