dread the thought

Meaning

This expression is used to say that you feel extremely worried, anxious, or unhappy about something that might happen in the future. It is often followed by 'of' and a gerund (verb-ing) or a noun. It can also be used as a standalone reaction to express reluctance or fear.

Examples

• I dread the thought of having to find a new apartment in this competitive market.

  I dread the thought of having to find a new apartment in this competitive market.

• She's retired now, but she still dreads the thought of going back to those early morning commutes.

  She's retired now, but she still dreads the thought of going back to those early morning commutes.

• I dread the thought of what might happen if we don't finish this project on time.

  I dread the thought of what might happen if we don't finish this project on time.

• When they mentioned having another winter storm, he said, 'I dread the thought!'

  When they mentioned having another winter storm, he said, 'I dread the thought!'

• Many parents dread the thought of their children moving far away for university.

  Many parents dread the thought of their children moving far away for university.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I dread the thought of to move to a new city.

  ✓ I dread the thought of moving to a new city.

  After the preposition 'of', you must use a gerund (verb-ing) rather than an infinitive (to + verb).

• ✗ I fear the thought of public speaking.

  ✓ I dread the thought of public speaking.

  While 'fear' is a close synonym, 'dread the thought' is the standard, natural idiomatic phrase used to express this specific anxiety.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I absolutely ___ of public speaking in front of hundreds of people.

  💡 Use the phrase that expresses strong worry about a future event.

  Show answer

  dread the thought

• She loves her job, so she must ___ of retiring next year.

  💡 She does not want to think about leaving her job.

  Show answer

  dread the thought