Is this sentence necessary?

Question

Hi, in this instance, is the sentence "She was paralysed by fear necessary."?

sailsofoblivion Hi, I was just wondering if anyone knew of a synonym for 'She was paralysed by fear.'? But I was also wondering, would the section read better if it was removed? I'm not sure if it's necessary.

Thanks in advance!

Suddenly, her eyes fell upon what appeared to be a young boy standing at the end of the room. She was paralysed by fear. The child was spectral but not malevolent, and no sooner had she noticed him than he was gone. She promptly composed herself, and concluded that it was a hallucination – a reflection of the fact that she had been alone for too long.

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

sailsofoblivion is the sentence "She was paralysed by fear' necessary.?

Few sentences are 'necessary', but that one is a common, natural expression.

Philip · Answer

I think you're asking about the necessity of 'by fear'. I think it certainly adds to the reason for her sudden paralysis.

Sailsofoblivion · Answer

PhilipI think you're asking about the necessity of 'by fear'. I think it certainly adds to the reason for her sudden paralysis.

So it's alright to use if the character isn't actually moving at this point? I hope that makes sense... I'm probably overthinking this.

I've used it again in another piece, but again, it's as a response to something terrifying:

“Do you want me to knock you oot tae?” He threatened, as he picked up his baseball bat.
She was paralysed by fear.

^ In the second instance, is there a way of saying the same thing without using the same phrase? I'm a bit stuck.

Sailsofoblivion · Answer

sailsofoblivion PhilipI think you're asking about the necessity of 'by fear'. I think it certainly adds to the reason for her sudden paralysis.So it's alright to use if the character isn't actually moving at this point? I hope that makes sense... I'm probably overthinking this.I've used it again in another piece, but again, it's as a response to something terrifying:“Do you want me to knock you oot tae?” He threatened, as he picked up his baseball bat.She was paralysed by fear.^ In the second instance, is there a way of saying the same thing without using the same phrase? I'm a bit stuck.

I was thinking "Her body began to tremble" might be a good replacement...

Philip · Answer

sailsofoblivionI was thinking "Her body began to tremble" might be a good replacement...

It's your story; it's your choice.

Clive · Answer

e She was so scared that she couldn't move.

Is this sentence necessary?

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