sow fear

USAGE SUMMARY

'sow fear' is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to describe the act of creating fear or trying to make someone feel afraid. For example: "The dictator used propaganda to sow fear in the population."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The motive was to sow fear," he wrote.

The New York Times

Such images sow fear, embitter youth and build support for extremism.

The New York Times

Two hold-out groups have continued to sow fear, despite their dwindling number of adherents.

The Economist

"A week ago fanatics started to sow fear and terror in our country and our city.

The Guardian

Perhaps the colectivos' most important weapon, though, is their ability to sow fear.

The Washington Post

New Yorkers see this attack for what it is an attempt to sow fear.

The Washington Post

"Its intention was to sow fear – its intention is to divide.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This is a campaign designed to sow fear, animosity and hatred towards immigrants.

The Telegraph

Aid groups protested that this would stigmatize returnees, sow fear, and cripple the effort to recruit doctors and nurses.

The New Yorker

Allies will see a leader willing to make tough decisions to protect his crew — and sow fear in his opponents.

The New York Times

Police corruption and insurgent attacks sow fear and make traveling many sections of the road a lottery.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sow fear" when you want to emphasize the deliberate action of spreading or instilling fear, often with the intention to manipulate or control.

Common error

Avoid using "sow fear" when the fear arises unintentionally or as a byproduct of an action. The phrase implies a deliberate effort to create fear, so it's not appropriate for describing accidental or incidental fear responses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sow fear" functions primarily as a verb phrase where "sow" (verb) takes "fear" (noun) as its object. It describes the action of instilling or spreading fear intentionally. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sow fear" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that describes the act of deliberately instilling or spreading fear. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is frequently found in news and media contexts, where it is used to analyze and describe situations involving manipulation, control, and disruption. While semantically similar phrases like "instill fear" or "spread fear" exist, "sow fear" implies a more intentional and calculated effort to create a climate of anxiety. When using this phrase, it's essential to consider the intentionality behind the action to ensure its accurate and appropriate application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Instill fear

Focuses on the act of implanting fear into someone or something.

Spread fear

Emphasizes the dissemination of fear across a wider area or group.

Create fear

Highlights the act of bringing fear into existence.

Provoke fear

Suggests that the fear is a reaction to something that has been done.

Generate fear

Similar to 'create fear', but emphasizes a more ongoing or systematic process.

Incite fear

Implies stirring up fear, often in a deliberate or manipulative way.

Plant fear

Suggests a subtle or insidious way of introducing fear.

Promote fear

Focuses on the active encouragement of fear.

Breed fear

Implies that fear is growing and multiplying.

Stir up fear

Suggests an action that agitates or awakens latent fear.

FAQs

What does "sow fear" mean?

"Sow fear" means to deliberately spread or instill fear among a group of people. It implies an intentional act to create a climate of anxiety or intimidation.

What can I say instead of "sow fear"?

You can use alternatives like "instill fear", "spread fear", or "create fear" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How is "sow fear" typically used in a sentence?

"Sow fear" is often used to describe actions by those who want to control or manipulate others. For example, "The dictator used propaganda to sow fear among the citizens".

What's the difference between "sow fear" and "incite panic"?

"Sow fear" implies a more gradual and deliberate spreading of fear, while "incite panic" suggests a sudden and immediate surge of intense fear. "Incite panic" often refers to a more chaotic and uncontrolled situation.