tremble with fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tremble with fear" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It conveys a strong sense of fear or anxiety and can be used in a variety of contexts. Example: As the thunder roared and the wind howled, the young child trembled with fear, convinced that the storm was going to overtake their house.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"Whenever I see the military or police now I tremble with fear".

The Guardian

He's one of those kids who tremble with fear during gym class and use "a lot of huge-sounding nerd words like indefatigable and ubiquitous" when talking to kids who could barely finish high school.

The New York Times - Books

But if IBM looks at Intel's past effort in consumer products it probably won't tremble with fear.

Forbes

Thus, let's analyze Alibaba the way it should be seen – as a tremendous example of the success of a Chinese entrepreneur to build a massive business in an era of dizzying growth in the Middle Kingdom – rather than a competitive threat that causes us to tremble with fear instead of crying felicitations.

TechCrunch

Thus, let's analyze Alibaba the way it should be seen – as a tremendous example of the success of a Chinese entrepreneur to build a massive business in an era of dizzying growth in the Middle Kingdom – rather than a competitive threat that causes us to tremble with fear instead of crying felicitations.

TechCrunch

It was a full workout". Just like Get Out, the genius of Us is in how it can make you laugh out loud and tremble with fear in the space of a few seconds – all underpinned by Peele's smart social commentary.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

She arrived home, trembling with fear.

The New York Times

"I'm gay," he wrote, walking away and trembling with fear.

The New York Times

Trembling with fear, Daud Nayak, 56, submitted to a shaving, a Hindu sign of sacrifice.

The New York Times

"I was trembling with fear all through that first night," she said.

The New York Times

"He was trembling with fear," Kannan said, laughing, and the delight was all over his face.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tremble with fear" to depict a character's immediate and visceral reaction to something frightening. It is more impactful when describing a physical manifestation of inner turmoil.

Common error

Avoid using "tremble with fear" repeatedly within the same scene or paragraph. Vary your descriptions of fear to prevent the writing from becoming monotonous. Consider using synonyms or describing the character's internal thoughts instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tremble with fear" functions primarily as a descriptive verb phrase. It details a physical manifestation of the emotional state of fear. Ludwig AI examples show its use in depicting immediate reactions to frightening or stressful situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tremble with fear" is a valid and descriptive expression, typically used to convey a strong sense of fear manifesting physically. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While found in diverse contexts, it appears most frequently in news and media. When using "tremble with fear", consider its emotional impact and avoid overuse to maintain writing quality. Alternatives like ""shake with terror"" or "quiver with apprehension" can provide nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shake with terror

Emphasizes intense fear leading to physical shaking.

quiver with apprehension

Highlights a slight trembling due to anxiety or worry.

cower in dread

Focuses on shrinking back or hiding due to great fear.

recoil in horror

Stresses a sudden movement away from something frightening.

be paralyzed by fright

Indicates being unable to move due to extreme fear.

shudder in alarm

Expresses a convulsive trembling caused by sudden fear.

be petrified with anxiety

Highlights the immobilizing effect of severe anxiety.

shrink back in trepidation

Focuses on withdrawing from something with fear and hesitation.

feel one's blood run cold

Describes a sensation of intense fear that chills the body.

be seized by panic

Indicates a sudden and overwhelming feeling of fear and helplessness.

FAQs

How can I vividly describe someone's fear?

Instead of just saying someone is afraid, use strong verbs and sensory details. For instance, they might "shake with terror", their breath might catch in their throat, or their heart could pound in their chest. Focus on showing, not just telling.

What's a more sophisticated way to say someone is scared?

Try using phrases like "quiver with apprehension" or "cower in dread" to add depth to your writing. These options suggest a more profound or nuanced fear than simply being "scared."

How does the phrase "tremble with fear" compare to "shake with fear"?

"Tremble with fear" suggests a finer, more delicate shaking, while "shake with fear" implies a more violent and noticeable tremor. The choice depends on the intensity of the fear you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "tremble with fear" in formal writing?

While "tremble with fear" is grammatically correct, it can sound melodramatic in some formal contexts. Consider the overall tone of your piece and whether a more understated phrase, such as "felt apprehensive", might be more appropriate.