Grammar ～おそれがある | Mimikara Oboeru N3

～おそれがある

fear that; be afraid that

Structure

[N/V] noun-modifying form + おそれがある

Explanation

Indicates the possibility of an undesirable outcome occurring in the future; often used in written language or announcements.

Examples

1この薬（くすり）は副作用（ふくさよう）のおそれがあるので注意（ちゅうい）しなければならない。

This medicine may cause side effects, so you need to be careful.

2出席（しゅっせき）率（りつ）が悪（わる）いと、ビザの更新（こうしん）ができない恐（おそ）れがある。

If attendance is poor, there is a risk you won't be able to renew your visa.

3風（かぜ）が強（つよ）く、火事（かじ）が広（ひろ）がる恐（おそ）れがあったので、付近（ふきん）の住民（じゅうみん）は避難（ひなん）した。

Because the wind was strong and there was a risk the fire would spread, nearby residents evacuated.

4警察（けいさつ）は、犯人（はんにん）はすでに国外（こくがい）へ逃亡（とうぼう）した恐（おそ）れがあると見（み）ている。

The police believe there is a possibility that the perpetrator has already fled the country.

5＊「四国（しこく）南部（なんぶ）で地震（じしん）が発生（はっせい）しました。しかし、津波（つなみ）の恐（おそ）れはありません」

*An earthquake occurred in southern Shikoku. However, there is no risk of a tsunami.

Note

1) Easily confused with ～かもしれない. → ～おそれがある means 'there is a risk/possibility', more serious in degree.2) Often used in writing, announcements, and warnings. → Common in news and safety documents.3) Not used for trivial matters or mild personal concerns. → If it's just subjective worry, use other patterns depending on context.