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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 • 562 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

Related Comparisons

an hard-worker vs a hard-worker freedom vs freedoms prevalences vs prevalence I have fear vs I have a fear doi:10.1162/neco.1989.1.4.425 vs http://dx.doi.org/10.1162/neco.1989.1.4.425 trepidation of fear vs fear

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