striking fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "striking fear" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a common phrase that means to cause a strong feeling of fear in someone. It is often used to describe a situation or action that is particularly frightening. Here is an example sentence: "The villain's cruel smile and menacing tone sent shivers down her spine, striking fear into her heart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"But they're not striking fear into us because every center they destroy, we'll build new ones," he added.

The New York Times

Unlike jihadists, anarchists did not target innocent civilians purely for the sake of striking fear into the hearts of the populace or to display their ambition.

The Economist

Hawass's strongest skills are perhaps managerial, or proprietorial: he's in the business of striking fear and making deals and squeezing advantage out of Egypt's monopoly on Egyptian soil.

The New Yorker

At 69, he too is past the normal retirement age but is still well-capable of striking fear in any boardroom.

The Economist

Young men in hooded jackets smoke cigarettes and await transfer to the mainland — a prospect that is striking fear in many European hearts.

The New York Times

A week and a half into the season, Phillips, the Mets' general manager, acknowledged that his new, high-priced lineup wasn't striking fear in anyone's heart.

The New York Times - Sports

In 1958 Charles Starkweather and Caril Ann Fugate roamed Nebraska, murdering 11 people and striking fear into many others, the Kerreys among them.

The New York Times - Books

That means we are subjecting our 9-month-old daughter to the same risks that are striking fear into residents of cities across northern China, and grappling with the guilt of doing so.

The New York Times

But the shift seems to be striking fear in the country's leadership, which has successfully pacified opposition by oppressing those it cannot co-opt, but which remains anxious about the prospect of a popular revolt, political analysts and activists said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is striking that fears of employers significantly shrinking pay rises with the disappearance of inflation have not materialised: there is no sign in the UK of so-called bad deflation.

BBC

It is striking that fears of employers significantly shrinking pay rises with the disappearance of inflation have not materialised: there is no sign in the UK of so-called bad deflation (which of course means the Bank of England remains on course to push up interest rates, rather than cut them).

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing creatively, consider using "striking fear" to build tension and suspense within your narratives.

Common error

Avoid using "striking fear" in situations where mild apprehension or concern is more fitting. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "striking fear" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as part of a larger predicate within a sentence. It describes the act of causing a significant feeling of fear, often with the implication of intimidation or control. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Huffington Post

8%

The New York Times

6%

Less common in

BBC

2%

The Guardian

2%

TechCrunch

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "striking fear" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression that effectively conveys the act of causing intense fear. As Ludwig AI confirms, its prevalence in news and media highlights its utility in describing situations involving intimidation and control. While generally neutral in register, it's best suited for formal writing and descriptive contexts. When selecting alternative phrases, consider nuances such as "instilling dread" or "inspiring terror" for varied emphasis. As the numerous examples show, be aware of contexts where less-intense alternatives might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instilling dread

Focuses on the act of causing dread, a more profound sense of fear.

causing fright

Highlights the action of producing a sudden and intense fear.

inspiring terror

Emphasizes the feeling of extreme fear or dread that is evoked.

generating panic

Indicates the creation of widespread and uncontrollable fear.

spreading alarm

Suggests a wider dissemination of fear or apprehension.

provoking anxiety

Focuses on eliciting a state of worry, nervousness, or unease.

creating apprehension

Highlights the generation of a feeling of worry or unease about something that might happen.

fostering intimidation

Emphasizes the development of a sense of being threatened or coerced.

inciting trepidation

Suggests the stirring up of a feeling of fear or agitation about something that might happen.

planting seeds of fear

Uses a metaphorical expression to convey the gradual introduction of fear.

FAQs

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

You can use "striking fear" to describe something that causes a sudden and intense feeling of fear. For example, "The dictator's policies were aimed at "instilling dread" by "striking fear" into the population".

What are some alternatives to "striking fear"?

Some alternatives to "striking fear" include "instilling dread", "inspiring terror", or "causing fright", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "striking fear into" or "striking fear in"?

"Striking fear into" is the more common and idiomatic expression. While "striking fear in" might be grammatically understandable, it's not as widely used.

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

No, "striking fear" almost always carries a negative connotation. It implies causing intense fear or dread, which is generally undesirable. More appropriate phrases should be considered in positive contexts.