well-founded fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "well-founded fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts, particularly in discussions about asylum claims, to describe a legitimate and reasonable fear of persecution. Example: "The applicant demonstrated a well-founded fear of returning to their home country due to the ongoing violence and political instability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He has been found to be a refugee, facing a "well-founded fear" of persecution in his homeland.

The Guardian

All of those who have abandoned Cambodia have been found to be genuine refugees, that is they have a "well-founded fear of persecution" in their homelands.

The Guardian

It's a well-founded fear given the Taliban's record of targeted killings.

The New York Times

There is, of course, the well-founded fear of malpractice litigation.

The New York Times

They have a "well-founded fear of persecution" and are legally owed protection.

The Guardian

Worst of all is the pervasive, well-founded fear of crime.

The New Yorker

"It is further evidence that he [Snowden] has a well-founded fear of persecution.

The Guardian

She does indeed have a "well-founded fear of persecution" if she returns.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"We have a great sympathy with those who have a genuine and well founded fear of persecution," he said.

The Guardian

"The worst aspect of the  ruling is the judge doesn't accept that she has a well founded fear of persecution if she returns to Nigeria.

Independent

Of the unsuccessful applicants, Mr Straw said he was "not satisfied that they have a well founded fear of persecution" in their native land.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "well-founded fear" to describe apprehensions that are based on concrete evidence or reasonable assessment, particularly in formal or legal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "well-founded fear" for expressing personal anxieties without factual basis; instead, describe them as anxieties, worries, or concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well-founded fear" functions primarily as a descriptor, modifying a noun (often 'fear' itself) to indicate that the fear is reasonable and justified, rooted in reality, as seen in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "well-founded fear" is a commonly used phrase, particularly in legal and journalistic contexts, to describe a legitimate and justified apprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. When writing, it's essential to use the phrase when you want to emphasize that a fear has a reasonable basis, especially in formal or professional settings. Be mindful to avoid using it for subjective anxieties without factual support. Alternatives like "justifiable apprehension" or "legitimate concern" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

justifiable apprehension

Emphasizes the legitimacy and reason behind the fear.

legitimate concern

Highlights the validity and importance of the worry.

reasonable fear

Focuses on the rationality and logic behind the fear.

valid apprehension

Stresses the factual basis and correctness of the fear.

grounded anxiety

Indicates that the anxiety has a solid foundation in reality.

justified worry

Similar to legitimate concern, but emphasizes the emotional aspect.

substantiated fear

Indicates that the fear is supported by evidence.

defensible concern

Highlights that the worry can be supported by objective facts.

well-grounded concern

Similar to 'grounded anxiety', highlights a solid foundation.

legitimate worry

Alternative to 'legitimate concern', with focus on the emotional aspect.

FAQs

How is "well-founded fear" typically used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, particularly immigration and asylum law, "well-founded fear" is used to describe a legitimate and reasonable fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. It's a key criterion for granting refugee status.

What are some alternatives to "well-founded fear"?

You can use alternatives like "justifiable apprehension", "legitimate concern", or "reasonable fear" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "well-founded fear" in informal conversation?

While grammatically correct, "well-founded fear" is more commonly used in formal and professional contexts. In informal conversation, simpler terms like "legitimate worry" or "valid concern" might be more appropriate.

What distinguishes a "well-founded fear" from a general fear?

A "well-founded fear" implies that there's objective evidence or a reasonable basis to support the apprehension, making it more than just a subjective feeling. It suggests the fear is justified based on circumstances or facts. A general fear may not have such a basis.