started to fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started 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 started to fear for the safety of my family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

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

Independent

After watching TOTP2's boyband special I started to fear for JLS.

The Guardian - Music

As they saw passengers jumping from the balloon, people started to fear for their own safety.

The Guardian

But lately, the elite has started to fear that stability alone cannot work, that it is calcifying into stagnation.

The New York Times

"His frontal attacks against Fox suggested to me that he's started to fear that he may lose the election".

The New York Times

At moments, members of Mr. McCain's inner circle have started to fear the populism of their own campaign.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Some farmers are starting to fear disaster.

The New York Times

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

However when Sam gets a real friend, Fred starts to fear the worst.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started to fear" to describe the initial onset of fear or apprehension, indicating a change in emotional state. It's effective for illustrating a gradual realization of potential danger or negative consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "started to fear" when describing a state of consistent or prolonged fear. Instead, use phrases like "lived in fear" or "was constantly afraid" to convey ongoing anxiety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to fear" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a feeling of fear or apprehension. This phrase is often used to express the beginning of a gradual realization of potential danger or negative consequences, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started to fear" is a commonly used verb phrase that effectively conveys the beginning of a feeling of fear or apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media contexts. While it's a versatile expression suitable for many situations, it's important to consider the nuance you wish to convey; alternatives like "began to worry" or "grew apprehensive" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. Avoid using "started to fear" when describing prolonged fear, opting instead for phrases that indicate an ongoing state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became afraid

A more general term indicating the onset of fear.

began to dread

Emphasizes a feeling of apprehension or reluctance about something that is about to happen.

started getting worried

Informal phrasing indicating the initial signs of concern.

grew apprehensive

Focuses on the gradual increase in anxiety or worry.

came to be anxious

Indicates the development of a state of anxiety.

became concerned

Indicates the beginning of worry or interest in a problem or dangerous situation.

commenced to worry

Highlights the start of a process of worrying about something.

began feeling uneasy

Highlights a growing sense of discomfort or apprehension.

developed a fear of

Emphasizes the formation of a specific fear.

began to suspect

Suggests that the fear arises from a growing belief that something negative might be true.

FAQs

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

You can use "started to fear" to indicate the beginning of a feeling of fear or worry. For example, "As the deadline approached, he "started to fear" he wouldn't finish on time".

What are some alternatives to "started to fear"?

Alternatives include "began to worry", "became afraid", or "grew apprehensive", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "began to fear" instead of "started to fear"?

Yes, "began to fear" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to "started to fear". Both phrases convey a similar meaning, indicating the onset of fear or apprehension.

What's the difference between "starting to fear" and "started to fear"?

"Starting to fear" suggests an ongoing or current process of becoming fearful, while "started to fear" indicates a completed action of beginning to feel fear at a specific point in time.