start to fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start to fear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the beginning of a feeling of fear or anxiety about something. Example: "As the storm approached, I began to start to fear for my safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Then the local protests begin, MPs start to fear for their jobs, and decisions are put off.

The Economist

There's a point, though, when curiosity becomes obsession, and those who care about Chris start to fear for his sanity.

The New York Times - Books

Readers may start to fear that if Smith ever rights himself, he'll be wronging himself as well, so completely does he depend upon his anxiety for protective cover.

The New York Times - Books

"There is a distinct possibility that the more you get reports like this, the more people will start to fear all Muslims.

The Guardian

If they refuse to vote against tougher sanctions expected to be proposed soon against Iran at the UN Security Council, even Messrs Ahmadinejad and Khamenei may start to fear that their days in power may be numbered.

The Economist

They stand outside a bakery window; they take shelter; they run away in the middle of the night when they start to fear the baker's wife, who stands in for the traditional witch in this twentieth-century fairy tale.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Some farmers are starting to fear disaster.

The New York Times

When I started to fear leaving my room unattended I knew I had to do something.

Independent

Nowadays, I am starting to fear that Iraq will never become a stable country".

The New York Times

Experts are starting to fear that the era of cheap food may be over.

The New York Times - Science

"They are starting to be worried now, starting to fear that Bashar [al-Assad] might leave.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs like "dread" or "panic" if the emotion is intense from the outset.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "start to fear" in close succession. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "grow anxious", "become afraid", or "develop a sense of dread" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start to fear" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the main verb in a clause. It describes the initiation of the emotional state of fear. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "start to fear" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that denotes the commencement of feeling fear or anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile enough for various writing styles. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, this expression serves to highlight the initial phase of apprehension, often triggered by unfolding events or realizations. When using "start to fear", consider the gradual nature of the emotion and explore alternative phrases like ""begin to worry"" or ""grow fearful"" to add nuance to your writing. Remember to avoid overusing it, ensuring your narrative remains engaging and varied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin to fear

Similar meaning, focuses on the commencement of feeling fear.

commence to fear

More formal synonym for begin to fear, implies a more gradual onset.

grow fearful

Emphasizes the gradual increase in fear.

become afraid

Focuses on the state of being afraid rather than the start.

start feeling anxious

Shifts the emotion to anxiety, a close relative of fear.

begin to worry

Replaces fear with worry, indicating a lighter form of apprehension.

start to dread

Implies a stronger sense of foreboding than fear.

get apprehensive

More formal way of saying start to feel anxious.

start to suspect

Suggests fear based on suspicion or uncertainty.

start to anticipate the worst

Emphasizes expectation of negative outcomes, leading to fear.

FAQs

How can I use "start to fear" in a sentence?

You can use "start to fear" to describe the onset of fear, as in "As the shadows grew longer, I "started to fear" what might be lurking in the darkness."

What are some alternatives to "start to fear"?

Some alternatives include "begin to worry", "grow fearful", or "become afraid". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "start to fear" formal or informal?

"Start to fear" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives exist, such as "commence to fear".

What's the difference between "start to fear" and "be afraid"?

"Start to fear" indicates the beginning of the feeling, while "be afraid" describes the state of already experiencing fear. For example, "I "started to fear" the dog after it barked", but "I "am afraid" of dogs because I was bitten as a child".