with fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with fear" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe the state or feeling of being afraid. Example: She walked through the dark, abandoned house with fear gripping her heart. In this sentence, "with fear" describes the manner in which the woman is walking, conveying that she is doing so with a sense of fear or apprehension. This phrase can also be used to modify verbs, such as "speak with fear" or "shiver with fear." Overall, "with fear" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used phrase in written English that can add depth and emotion to a sentence.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With Fear Nuttin Band.

The New York Times - Arts

Many were pricked with fear.

The New York Times

They shudder with fear.

Harvard Business Review

Others with fear.

The Guardian

This time with fear.

The Guardian

Piggins went with fear.

The Guardian - Sport

I hesitate with fear.

The New Yorker

I cried with fear.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's responding with fear.

The New York Times

I'm done with fear.

The Guardian - Film

Nott shook with fear.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with fear" to vividly depict emotional responses or motivations in narratives, adding depth and authenticity to characters' actions and reactions. The phrase effectively conveys the internal state of the subject, making it a powerful tool in storytelling.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "with fear" as it can lead to repetitive and monotonous prose. Vary sentence structure and consider using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with fear" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a state is experienced. This is validated by Ludwig's examples, where it often accompanies verbs of action or sensation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "with fear" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to add emotional depth to descriptions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys the presence of fear within a particular context. Its function is primarily adverbial, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate how an action is performed or a state is experienced. The phrase maintains a neutral register, fitting seamlessly into both formal and informal writing. While alternatives like "terrified" or "out of fear" exist, "with fear" provides a direct and clear indication of the role of fear in a given situation. From an analysis of examples Ludwig found, this phrase is mostly used in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a state of fear

Focuses on the condition or situation someone is experiencing.

filled with dread

Highlights the feeling of impending doom or intense apprehension.

out of fear

Emphasizes fear as the motivating factor for an action.

in terror

Indicates a more intense and immediate experience of fear.

panic-stricken

Describes someone overwhelmed by a sudden and intense wave of fear.

terrified

Replaces the phrase with a single adjective denoting a high level of fear.

frightened

A simple adjective describing the state of being afraid.

apprehensively

An adverb that describes doing something with a sense of dread or anxiety.

anxiously

Similar to 'apprehensively', but conveys a general sense of worry and unease.

scared

A more casual and common adjective for feeling fear.

FAQs

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

The phrase "with fear" describes the manner in which something is done, indicating that fear is a significant component of the action or state. For example: "She approached the dark forest "with fear" in her heart."

What are some alternatives to "with fear"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "in a state of fear", "out of fear", or adjectives like "terrified" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "with fear" or simply say someone is "afraid"?

The choice depends on the desired emphasis. "Afraid" is a direct statement of feeling, while "with fear" often adds a layer of description to an action or situation. For instance, "He spoke "with fear"" implies more than just "He was afraid."

Can "with fear" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "with fear" is appropriate for formal writing. While not overly academic, it is grammatically correct and widely understood, making it suitable for various contexts, including news reports and professional documents.