Become frantic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Become frantic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a state of extreme anxiety or panic that someone is experiencing. Example: "As the deadline approached, she began to become frantic, worrying that she wouldn't finish her project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Preparations in Bangkok have become frantic.

The New York Times

Then she cracks open her laptop to resume a job hunt that has become frantic.

The New York Times

She was like those people who retire to a place where they have holidayed, and in this holiday place become frantic with boredom and solitude.

The New Yorker

At a moment when other politicians might become frantic or sullen, he has remained quintessentially himself: calm, self-possessed, almost aggressively unruffled.

The New York Times

Many expect a bail-out package to be assembled within days.In recent weeks the bond markets have become frantic about the sorry state of Ireland's economy, public finances and banks.

The Economist

As downtime increases, they become anxious; beyond eight hours of downtime they become frantic and frequently go to great lengths to continue harvesting even if it means purchasing or leasing additional equipment.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The drummers' rhythm became frantic.

The Guardian - Travel

His attacks on himself became frantic.

The Guardian

As the search became frantic and hopeless, he became dejected.

The Guardian

Instead, the man became frantic, insisting he had to continue.

The New York Times

As I watched the cooking time expanding into hours, not minutes, I became frantic.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become frantic" to vividly depict a character's escalating anxiety in a narrative. This phrase effectively captures a sense of urgency and loss of control.

Common error

While "become frantic" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more nuanced alternatives like "grow anxious" or "become agitated" for a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become frantic" functions as a verb phrase describing a state of heightened anxiety or panic. It indicates a transformation into a state of frenzied worry. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

9%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become frantic" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a state of extreme anxiety or panic. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While the phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, careful consideration should be given to its intensity when used in formal or academic writing. Alternatives such as "grow anxious" or "get agitated" may be more appropriate in certain professional settings. The key is to choose the phrase that best captures the intended nuance of the character or situation you are describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start to panic

Similar, but emphasizes the beginning of the panicked state.

fall into a panic

Highlights the sudden onset of panic.

be overcome with anxiety

Emphasizes the feeling of being overwhelmed.

grow anxious

Focuses more on the gradual increase of worry.

get agitated

Emphasizes restlessness and unease more than panic.

get worked up

Describes a state of heightened excitement and anxiety.

lose composure

Focuses on the loss of self-control due to stress.

become hysterical

Indicates a more extreme emotional outburst.

freak out

Informal term for becoming extremely agitated or panicked.

descend into chaos

Describes a situation where someone is no longer in control.

FAQs

How can I use "become frantic" in a sentence?

You can use "become frantic" to describe a state of extreme worry or panic. For example: "As the deadline approached, she began to "become frantic", worrying that she wouldn't finish her project on time."

What's a less intense way to say "become frantic"?

If you want to express a milder form of anxiety, consider alternatives such as "grow anxious" or "get agitated". These phrases suggest worry without the extreme sense of panic.

Is "become frantic" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "become frantic" might sound too dramatic for formal contexts. In business or academic writing, consider alternatives like "grow concerned" or "get worried" to maintain a professional tone.

Which is more intense: "become frantic" or "become anxious"?

"Become frantic" implies a higher degree of panic and loss of control compared to "become anxious". "Frantic" suggests a wild, desperate state, while "anxious" simply indicates worry or unease.