What are the definitions of “fear for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Worry about or be concerned for.
He fears for the future of the restaurant if customer numbers continue to fall.
- 2To be afraid or worried about something happening to someone or something.
Hundreds of innocent civilians fear for their lives.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fear for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fear for is to worry about or be concerned for someone or something. It is often used when someone is afraid that something bad might happen to a person, place, or situation.
What are the different verb forms of “fear for”?
| Root Verb | fear for |
| Third Person Singular Present | fears for |
| Present Participle | fearing for |
| Simple Past | feared for |
| Past Participle | feared for |
Example
I fear for my friend's safety during the storm.
Example
She fears for her job security in the current economic climate.
Example
He is fearing for the future of the company.
Example
They feared for their lives during the earthquake.
Example
The parents had feared for their child's health.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fear for”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“fear for” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She feared for her family's safety.
Example
He feared for the future of the business.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“fear for” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She feared for her family's safety.
Example
He feared for the future of the business.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fear for”?
Good things to know
Does “fear for” have an informal or formal tone?
Fear for is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as in written reports or presentations.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “fear for”?
Synonyms
- worry about
- be concerned for
- be anxious about
- be apprehensive about
- be troubled by
- be uneasy about
Antonyms
- feel secure
- be confident
- be certain
- be assured
- be unworried
- be unconcerned
