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a fear vs the fear

Both 'a fear' and 'the fear' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'A fear' is used to refer to a general or unspecified fear, while 'the fear' is used to refer to a specific fear that has been previously mentioned or is well-known.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 584 views

a fear

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a general or unspecified fear.

Use 'a fear' when you want to talk about a general or unspecified fear without specifying a particular fear.

Examples:

She had a fear of heights.
He felt a fear creeping up on him.
A fear of failure can hold you back.
There was a fear in the air that night.
The sound of footsteps behind her sent a fear through her.

Show examples from the web [+]

I don't think that necessarily means he has a fear of commitment.
A note describing a fear of Kira.
I've a fear of putting children in the world.
There is also a fear of chemicals of all types.
Suddenly Kristoffer discovers that he has a fear of flying.
Unless you have a fear of water.
And I have a fear of loss.
Airborne Ranger with a fear of flying.
I don't have a fear of fat people.
Simultaneously, the population suffers from a fear of change.
Dr. Emily peck has a fear of intimacy.
I know, I just have a fear of success thing.
You know. Like, I had a fear of abandonment as a child.
Got a fear of heights, remember?
No, you don't like to fly 'cause you have a fear of fun.
And I think once you acquire a fear, it's very difficult to get rid of it.
Don't take me not calling you as a fear of commitment, by the way.
Or at least the kind of love that's been deformed by a fear of abandonment.
There was this rumor that you had a fear of big waves.
No, I don't have a fear of owning stuff.

Alternatives:

a feeling of fear
a sense of fear
a general fear
a vague fear
an unspecified fear

the fear

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a specific fear that has been previously mentioned or is well-known.

Use 'the fear' when referring to a specific fear that has been previously mentioned or is well-known in the context.

Examples:

She couldn't shake off the fear of failure.
The fear of the unknown haunted him.
He finally faced the fear that had been holding him back.
The fear of rejection kept her from taking risks.
The fear in his eyes was unmistakable.

Show examples from the web [+]

I recognized the fear in your countenance when I mentioned Ro'kenhrontyes.
Choices to make the fear go away.
A nuclear bomb is as big as the fear it creates.
No one can prepare you for the love and the fear.
To surrender yourself with the fear that you may be rejected.
Your currency is the fear of war.
All the fear and violence starts to blend together.
You just need the fear of a pandemic.
All the fear and excitement, has turned me light-headed.
Wine isn't as good without the fear of being caught.
However, I hear the fear behind my son's words.
I've always been perplexed by the fear of hitchhikers.
But I understand the fear of twisting things that move at night.
Without the fear of banishments, we'll have anarchy.
It's the fear of fat people.
I'm taking away the fear with humour.
Soon you'll have the fear you need to grow.
Well, the fear is mine, Mom.
I could see the fear in the other officers' faces.
It is the fear of change, of transformation.

Alternatives:

that fear
this fear
the specific fear
the well-known fear
the particular fear

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