sparks fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sparks fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes or instigates feelings of fear or anxiety in someone. Example: "The dark, abandoned house at the end of the street sparks fear in the hearts of the neighborhood children."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

And that sparks fear in the rest of the N.H.L.

The New York Times - Sports

Just mentioning Zetas sparks fear in the hearts of those who hear them".

The New York Times

Next, Clinton will reportedly hire a former regulator who sparks fear on Wall Street as her campaign CFO.

The Guardian

Concerns about Ebola have forced many in the community to cancel their trips back home, but some have left the US before the outbreak and their return sparks fear about the risk of an outbreak in New York.

BBC

Warning of election fraud, Trump sparks fear that his backers may intimidate minority voters.

Los Angeles Times

Warning of election fraud,Trump sparks fear that his backers may intimidate supporters.  .

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

He also sparks fears of a domino effect and precipitates the gravest global financial crisis since the Great Depression of 1929.

Independent

This sparks fears that the bank will shortly go bankrupt – prompting customers to queue round the block to withdraw their savings.

The Guardian - Business

'Drunk and jobless' wasps Reports of "drunken and jobless" wasps sparked fear across Britain last month.

Independent

The cult's expansion has sparked fear and anger across Japan.

The Guardian

A drone hovering in your neighborhood might spark fear and outrage at first.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sparks fear", ensure the subject clearly causes a feeling of fear, not just concern or curiosity. The context should support a genuine sense of dread or anxiety.

Common error

Avoid using "sparks fear" when the situation only elicits slight worry or mild concern. The phrase is strongest when describing situations that generate significant anxiety or dread.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sparks fear" functions as a verb phrase, where "sparks" acts as a transitive verb indicating the act of causing or initiating, and "fear" is the direct object, representing the emotion being elicited. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sparks fear" is a grammatically sound phrase primarily used to denote the instigation of fear or anxiety by a specific event, action, or entity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, conveying a sense of concern or threat. While there are semantically related alternatives like "ignites fear" or "generates fear", "sparks fear" particularly suggests a sudden and immediate onset of fear. When writing, reserve its use for situations genuinely causing significant dread, avoiding its application for milder concerns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ignites fear

This alternative suggests a sudden and intense onset of fear.

generates fear

This alternative emphasizes the creation or production of fear.

creates apprehension

This alternative uses a more formal term, apprehension, to convey a milder sense of unease.

provokes anxiety

This alternative focuses on the emotional response of anxiety being triggered.

induces panic

This alternative indicates a stronger, more immediate reaction of panic.

foments terror

This alternative suggests a deliberate and sustained effort to create terror.

instills trepidation

This alternative uses the more formal word "trepidation" to convey a sense of worry or anxiety.

awakens dread

This alternative implies a deep, unsettling feeling of dread is brought to the surface.

causes concern

This alternative offers a milder expression, focusing on worry and unease rather than outright fear.

raises alarm

This alternative highlights the act of signaling or creating a sense of danger or alert.

FAQs

How can I use "sparks fear" in a sentence?

Use "sparks fear" to describe something that causes a feeling of dread or anxiety. For instance, "The dictator's threats "sparks fear" among the citizens".

What's a good substitute for "sparks fear"?

Alternatives include "ignites fear", "generates fear", or "creates apprehension", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "sparks fear" or "causes fear"?

"Sparks fear" implies a more sudden or immediate reaction, while "causes fear" is more general. The better choice depends on the specific context. If you want to suggest something is building, it is probably better to use something different such as "generates fear".

Can "sparks fear" be used in a positive context?

Rarely. The phrase "sparks fear" generally has a negative connotation, describing something that causes worry or dread. In almost every context it should be avoided in anything other than negative, concerning sentences.