TextRanch
The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

TextRanch Editors

spread fear vs instill fear

Both 'spread fear' and 'instill fear' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'Spread fear' implies the action of making fear widespread or more prevalent, while 'instill fear' suggests the deliberate act of putting fear into someone or something. The phrases cannot be used interchangeably because their meanings are different.
Gregg profile picture

Explained by Gregg
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: June 08, 2024 • 774 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"spread fear"

This phrase is used to describe the action of making fear widespread or more prevalent among a group of people or in a particular situation.

Examples:

  • The dictator's regime used propaganda to spread fear among the population.
  • The virus outbreak spread fear throughout the community.
  • The horror movie aimed to spread fear among its viewers.
  • The terrorist attack was intended to spread fear and panic.
  • The rumors about layoffs started to spread fear among the employees.
  • Coordinated attacks such as these are designed to spread fear and mistrust amongst citizens and to test democracy's commitment to deeply held values.
  • If that were true then my goal would be to spread fear, but my... method is... far more surgical.
  • Acts of terror are tragic and, as their name suggests, they are designed to spread fear and panic.
  • To the terrorists, who want to spread fear and fright, to intimidate, we respond by refusing to be intimidated, and by waging war on terrorism with all the forcefulness and determination we can muster.
  • To spread fear, make us afraid.
  • The nature and timing of the arrests lead me to detect a cynical attempt by the authorities to spread fear in advance of the elections due to be held next year.
  • [cellphone ringing] he blow up people just to spread fear.
  • You found the ancient brands in the papal vaults and put them to use to spread fear!
  • Revolutions divide, destabilize, spread fear.
  • Groups spread fear by saying that they're many.
  • Why? Last thing I need is to spread fear That a dangerous black man running around this county.
  • With the Jedi Council focused on the war effort, criminal minds are left unchecked to spread fear and corruption.
  • There is a generally spread fear that the older generation is becoming a heavy burden on younger and working-age people and this could result in tensions between generations.
  • Islamic terrorism and the religious fanaticism from which it stems are continuing to spread fear and intolerance.
  • They mark the neighborhoods they're about to strike to warn their friends and spread fear among everyone else.
  • China's authoritarianism and Han dominance must not be used as an excuse by Uighur terrorists, some of whom are found as far afield as Guantánamo Bay, to spread fear and violence, as most victims of the recent violence were in fact Han Chinese.
  • These groups spread fear and confusion in relation to the Lisbon Treaty, deliberately or not, often on issues that are very important but have nothing to do with the Treaty.
  • Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the nuclear crises in North Korea and Iran have once again spread fear throughout the world and triggered suspicion between nations and peoples.
  • The more one looks at Jim Garrison, the more one finds... he has destroyed reputations, spread fear and suspicion, and worst of all... exploited this nation's sorrow and doubt.
  • They spread fear and panic and, worst of all, made the happy family turn on each other.

Alternatives:

  • incite fear
  • provoke fear
  • generate fear
  • cause fear
  • fuel fear

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"instill fear"

This phrase is used to describe the deliberate act of putting fear into someone or something, often with the intention of controlling or manipulating their behavior.

Examples:

  • The horror movie aimed to instill fear in its audience.
  • The teacher used strict discipline to instill fear in the students.
  • The criminal gang tried to instill fear in the local community.
  • The dictator used brutal tactics to instill fear in his opponents.
  • The parents wanted to instill fear of consequences in their children.
  • It's designed to instill fear in the populace.
  • You did instill fear in the hearts of many.
  • You did instill fear in the hearts of many.
  • The legend says he'd return to take revenge on the rest of the world, which was obviously started by one of his followers who wanted to instill fear in the remaining Romanians.
  • I instill fear, terror into those that want me silenced, the ones that want all of you silenced!

Alternatives:

  • induce fear
  • plant fear
  • inject fear
  • impose fear
  • infuse fear

Related Comparisons

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

  • Emails and short texts
  • Proofreading & editing
  • Ready in 5-10 minutes
SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

  • Documents of any type (*.docx)
  • Advanced & Premium editing
  • Ready in as little as 4 hours
UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

  • Personalized answers to your language questions
  • Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
  • Ready in 24 hours
ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Powered By Humans

TextRanch Editors

AI is a great tool, but when it comes to perfecting your writing, we rely on real human editors.

  • All our editors are native English speakers.
  • Each editor has passed a rigorous admission test to ensure quality.
  • Our global team is ready to correct any text, anytime.

MEET OUR EDITORS

TextRanch Editors

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

People Feedback 4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Profile picture of Zubair from Bangladesh

Zubair
from Bangladesh From

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Profile picture of Arturo from Mexico

Arturo
from Mexico From

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Profile picture of Selena from USA

Selena
from USA From

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Profile picture of Ifiok from Nigeria

Ifiok
from Nigeria From

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Profile picture of Wilson from France

Wilson
from France From

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Profile picture of Susan from Germany

Susan
from Germany From

Trusted by Hundreds Teams

Facebook logo
Accenture logo
Air Asia logo
AirBus logo
Amazon logo
Bayer logo
Decathlon logo
Docusign logo
Ebay logo
Fiverr logo
Fossil logo
Keller Williams logo
LinkedIn logo
Loreal logo
Motorola logo
Orange logo
Roche logo
Salesforce logo
Stellantis logo