they feared

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they feared" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express fear or anxiety about something in the past tense. For example: - "They feared for their safety as the storm raged on." - "Despite their efforts, they feared they would not pass the exam." - "As they approached the abandoned house, they feared what they might find inside." - "Even though they were brave warriors, they feared the unknown enemy that lay ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They feared being missed.

The New York Times

They feared her.

The New Yorker

But they feared the worst.

The New York Times - Sports

They feared an armed invasion.

The New York Times

They feared being imprisoned forever.

The New York Times

They feared higher taxes.

The New York Times

They feared alienating customers.

The New York Times

And they feared snow.

The New York Times

The authorities said they feared violence.

The Economist

They feared Sudan's volatile security situation.

The New York Times

They feared they might be stolen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they feared" when you want to express a collective feeling of apprehension or anxiety within a group, ensuring clarity about who is experiencing the fear.

Common error

Avoid using "they feared" when the subject is singular. Ensure the subject is plural to match the plural pronoun "they."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they feared" functions as a verb phrase in the past tense, expressing a state of apprehension or worry experienced by a group. As Ludwig AI suggests, it conveys a collective feeling of anxiety about a potential outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they feared" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express a group's apprehension or anxiety about a potential outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively conveys collective concern. It appears most often in news and media contexts, but also in scientific and formal business settings. When writing, it is important to ensure that the subject is plural to match the pronoun "they". Consider alternatives such as "they were afraid" or "<a href="/s/they+were+worried" to fine-tune the specific emotion you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were afraid

Replaces "feared" with a more common synonym, "afraid", maintaining a similar level of formality.

they dreaded

Highlights a feeling of intense aversion and anticipation of something unpleasant.

they were worried

Shifts the focus to concern and anxiety, rather than outright fear.

they were anxious

Focuses on a state of unease and nervousness.

they anticipated

Focuses on expecting something negative, rather than fearing it.

they apprehended

Emphasizes a formal or legal context of anticipating something negative.

they had misgivings

Suggests a feeling of doubt or apprehension about the future or the consequences of something.

they had concerns

Indicates a worry or issue that needs to be addressed.

they foresaw

Highlights the act of predicting a negative outcome, implying a basis for their fear.

they expected

Implies a degree of certainty in a negative outcome, often based on past experience.

FAQs

How can I use "they feared" in a sentence?

You can use "they feared" to express apprehension about a potential outcome. For example: "They feared the consequences of their actions."

What can I say instead of "they feared"?

You can use alternatives like "they were afraid", "they were worried", or "they dreaded depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "they fear" instead of "they feared"?

While "they fear" is grammatically correct, it refers to a present or habitual fear. "They feared" refers to a past fear.

What's the difference between "they feared" and "they suspected"?

"They feared" implies a feeling of anxiety or apprehension, whereas "they suspected" suggests a belief or hunch without necessarily feeling fear. The former emphasizes emotion, the latter, a cognitive assessment.