state of fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "state of fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a condition or situation where someone is experiencing fear or anxiety, often in a broader context such as societal or psychological discussions. Example: "The community was living in a constant state of fear due to the recent increase in crime rates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

State of Fear.

The Economist

In a perpetual state of fear?

The New Yorker

"You're living in a state of fear.

The New York Times

Thus everyone is kept in a state of fear.

The New Yorker

It's not pleasant to be in a state of fear.

The Guardian - Film

There is a state of fear which is not healthy".

The Guardian

The goal was to restore a state of fear.

The New Yorker

This perpetual state of fear is nothing new.

The Guardian - Opinion

3 1 STATE OF FEAR, by Michael Crichton.

The New York Times

[But] we are living in a real state of fear.

The Guardian

3 3 2 STATE OF FEAR, by Michael Crichton.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the impact of fear on a population, use "state of fear" to accurately portray widespread anxiety and its consequences. For example, use it to describe the psychological impact of political instability or social unrest.

Common error

While "state of fear" is a useful phrase, overuse can diminish its impact. Vary your language by using synonyms like "climate of fear" or "atmosphere of anxiety" to maintain reader engagement and provide a more nuanced description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state of fear" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It refers to a condition or situation characterized by widespread fear. Examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its use in describing societal anxieties and psychological impacts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "state of fear" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe widespread anxiety, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news, media, and academic contexts, it serves to characterize situations marked by significant apprehension. To enhance writing, it is advisable to use related alternatives like "climate of fear" or "atmosphere of anxiety" for added nuance. Overuse should be avoided to maintain its impact. The term is generally appropriate for neutral or professional registers, effectively conveying societal and psychological impacts. This comprehensive analysis confirms the phrase's validity and provides guidance for its optimal usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

climate of fear

Focuses on the pervasive nature of fear within a specific environment or group.

atmosphere of fear

Emphasizes the surrounding feeling or mood characterized by fear.

culture of fear

Highlights how fear becomes embedded in the norms and practices of a society or organization.

reign of terror

Implies a period of intense fear and violence, often politically motivated.

pervasive anxiety

Describes a widespread and persistent feeling of worry and unease.

constant apprehension

Focuses on a continuous state of anticipating something negative or unpleasant.

heightened alert

Indicates a state of increased vigilance and readiness for potential threats.

uneasy calm

Suggests a deceptive tranquility masking underlying fear or tension.

generalized anxiety disorder

Is a clinical term denoting prolonged and excessive worrying over a range of issues.

prevailing dread

Conveys a widespread feeling of intense fear or apprehension about something in the future.

FAQs

How can I use "state of fear" in a sentence?

You can use "state of fear" to describe a situation where people are experiencing widespread anxiety. For instance: "The constant threats created a "state of fear" among the residents."

What is a more descriptive alternative to "state of fear"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "climate of fear", "atmosphere of fear", or "pervasive anxiety" to provide a more vivid description.

Is it correct to say "a state of fear" or simply "state of fear"?

Both are grammatically correct, but the choice depends on the context. "A state of fear" is used when referring to a specific instance or situation. "State of fear" can be used more generally to describe an ongoing condition or concept.

How does "state of fear" differ from "feeling afraid"?

"Feeling afraid" refers to an individual's personal experience of fear. "State of fear", on the other hand, implies a broader, collective experience that affects a community or society.