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for fear of vs in fear of

Both 'for fear of' and 'in fear of' are correct phrases, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'For fear of' is used to express the reason behind an action taken to avoid something negative, while 'in fear of' is used to describe the state of being afraid or anxious about something.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 1367 views

for fear of

The phrase 'for fear of' is correct and commonly used in English to express the reason behind an action taken to avoid something negative.

This phrase is used to indicate the reason why someone does something to prevent a negative outcome or consequence.

Examples:

She avoided going out at night for fear of being followed.
He double-checked the locks for fear of burglars.
They stayed silent for fear of being punished.
She didn't speak up for fear of offending someone.
He avoided spicy food for fear of getting heartburn.

Show examples from the web [+]

You fled for fear of soiling yourself.
He stayed at home for fear of embarrassment abroad.
Complaints were not filed for fear of reprisals.
Many individuals are reluctant to identify themselves by that name for fear of persecution.
I dare not speak for fear of how he will react.
He closed the window for fear of rain.
Like many other Armenian intellectuals, he fled the country for fear of persecution.
None of these crimes was reported to the police for fear of victimization.
Eliezer lies in the bunk above and does nothing for fear of being beaten too.
But the denunciation of this violence is rare, for fear of reprisals.
Therefore they are obliged to act now -for fear of being overwhelmed later.
Never staying in the same place long for fear of discovery.
No, I lied for fear of punishment.
Further digging was forsaken for fear of impinging on the integrity of the building.
We do nothing for fear of scandal
As Gerak grow's stronger, fewer Jaffa risk defying him for fear of retribution.
But leaders in both countries have been reluctant to move boldly for fear of destabilizing growth.
She hid herself for fear of meeting the man.
He closed the window for fear of rain.
I didn't go skiing for fear of catching cold.

Alternatives:

out of fear of
because of fear of
due to fear of
to avoid
to prevent

in fear of

The phrase 'in fear of' is also correct and used to describe the state of being afraid or anxious about something.

This phrase is used to describe the feeling of fear or anxiety that someone experiences in a particular situation.

Examples:

She lived in fear of her abusive partner.
The villagers were in fear of the approaching storm.
He hesitated to speak up in fear of being ridiculed.
The child cowered in fear of the loud noise.
They walked quietly in fear of waking the baby.

Show examples from the web [+]

Abductees live in fear of being taken again.
The residents live in fear of Kenya Taylor.
He lives in fear of falling into that world.
The Red Cross barred individuals with German last names from joining in fear of sabotage.
Not living in fear of the next onslaught from Buggas.
I lived in fear of becoming addicted to them.
Look, I refuse to live in fear of this guy.
In Chapter 31, we are told that Vortigern ruled in fear of Ambrosius.
He lived in fear of sudden death and divine retribution.
The villagers lived in fear of being eaten and did not dare to sleep.
Despite widespread international condemnation, street children in Honduras and Guatemala continue to live in fear of persecution.
Whites lived in fear of what would come next.
Humanity no longer lives in fear of imminent annihilation.
And for years now you've lived in fear of exposure.
He lives in fear of falling back into that world, so maybe he pushes a little bit too hard.
Those who cower in fear of lesser beings and forces... should be the outlaws.
Leonard, you can't live in fear of this man forever.
I am tired of living in fear of this guy.
'but I live in fear of a York victory that would endanger you.
I am not going to live in fear of my own son.

Alternatives:

afraid of
anxious about
scared of
terrified of
worried about

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