spreads fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spreads fear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation, action, or entity that causes fear or anxiety among people. Example: "The news of the impending storm spreads fear among the residents, prompting them to prepare for the worst."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The gruesome murder of a fellow debtor spreads fear among the inmates, and the man in the frame is the much-feared Samuel Fleet, with whom Tom is sharing a cell.

Independent

The crime and violence it causes drains resources in our hospitals, generates mayhem on our streets and spreads fear in our communities.

Alcohol and Alcoholism

Of course, every military action spreads fear.

The Guardian - Books

Uncertainty spreads fear, but the threat is still theoretical.

The New York Times

It spreads fear and incites the type of ignorance that makes people sick.

The New Yorker

Not much spreads fear and bigotry faster than a public official intent on playing the politics of division.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Killing is a means of spreading fear.

The Economist

They want to spread fear.

The Guardian

And spreading fear is called terrorism.

The Guardian

Terrorists want to spread fear and chaos.

The New York Times

Mr Clegg said: "I will never spread fear about immigration.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spreads fear", consider the intensity of the emotion you wish to convey. Alternatives like "instills fear" or "promotes fear" may offer a more nuanced expression depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "spreads fear" when describing situations that only cause mild unease or concern. Overusing strong language can dilute the impact of your writing. Consider using milder alternatives like "creates apprehension" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spreads fear" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of causing fear to proliferate. Ludwig's analysis confirms its use in describing entities or actions that generate a widespread sense of dread or anxiety.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "spreads fear" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the action of causing fear to proliferate, as validated by Ludwig. While not exceptionally common, it appears across reputable news sources, scientific articles, and other contexts. Ludwig's AI confirms its standard usage. When using this phrase, consider the intensity of the emotion you want to convey. If a lighter emotion is intended consider similar terms such as "causes alarm" or "creates apprehension" depending on the nuance needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instills fear

Emphasizes the act of implanting fear, rather than its dissemination.

promotes fear

Suggests a more active role in encouraging fear.

fosters fear

Implies nurturing or cultivating fear over time.

creates apprehension

Focuses on the feeling of unease or worry, a milder form of fear.

generates panic

Indicates a sudden and overwhelming sense of fear.

incites terror

Highlights the act of provoking extreme fear or dread.

causes alarm

Refers to a sense of danger or worry, often less intense than fear.

provokes anxiety

Implies a state of worry and nervousness, a precursor to fear.

unleashes trepidation

Suggests a sudden and forceful release of fear or anxiety.

plants seeds of fear

Indicates a subtle or gradual introduction of fear.

FAQs

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

You can use "spreads fear" to describe something that causes a sense of dread or anxiety. For example, "The dictator's propaganda campaign /s/instills+fear spread fear throughout the nation."

What are some alternatives to "spreads fear"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "instills fear", "promotes fear", or "creates apprehension".

Which is more accurate, "spreads fear" or "instills fear"?

"Spreads fear" implies a wider dissemination of fear, while "instills fear" suggests a more direct or intentional implantation of fear.

How does "spreads fear" differ from "causes alarm"?

"Spreads fear" suggests a more pervasive and intense emotion than "causes alarm", which implies a more immediate and potentially less severe reaction.