恐れがある【おそれがある】

恐れがある (おそれがある) is a formal expression meaning "there is a risk/danger of ~" or "it is feared that ~". It is used to warn about a negative possibility – something undesirable that could happen. This grammar point is very common in news reports, weather forecasts, official announcements, and written warnings.

Structure

The expression attaches to verbs, nouns, or adjectives:

• Verb (plain form) + おそれがある恐れがある
  • Noun + の + おそれがある恐れがある

Key nuances

恐れがある is used exclusively for negative or undesirable outcomes. You would not use it for positive possibilities. For neutral possibilities, expressions like かのう可能せい性がある are more appropriate.

Compare:

• じこ事故がおきる起きるおそれがある恐れがある。

  There is a risk of an accident occurring.
  – Negative outcome, so 恐れがある is natural.
• ✗ 合格する恐れがある – Passing an exam is positive, so 恐れがある sounds unnatural here. Use かのう可能せい性がある instead.

Formality

This is a formal, written expression. In casual conversation, speakers would typically use かもしれない (might) instead. You will encounter 恐れがある most often in:

• News broadcasts and newspapers - Weather warnings - Official documents and reports - Academic or medical contexts

Variations

• おそれがある恐れがある – standard form - おそれがあります恐れがあります – polite form - おそれ恐れがない – there is no risk of ~ - おそれ恐れもある – there is also a risk of ~