a frantic dash

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a frantic dash" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a hurried or chaotic movement, often in response to an urgent situation. Example: "When the fire alarm went off, there was a frantic dash to the exits as everyone tried to evacuate the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

This causes a frantic dash around the desks to buy new tickets.

The Guardian - Travel

So begins a frantic dash to accumulate resources — weapons, ammunition, clothing, fuel, a vehicle.

The New Yorker

The murk exploded into a frantic dash, with additional notes from the row sprinkled in gradually.

The New York Times - Arts

Chaperons wearing black vests wait for the riders to finish, then make a frantic dash for them.

The New York Times - Sports

Short of a frantic dash back down the escalator, he hasn't got much of a say in the matter.

The Guardian - Film

Against a background of decay and scandal, all party leaders are involved in a frantic dash for ideas on how to clean up politics.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

So as we left Port Everglades in our wake, I made a last frantic dash down through the ship's interior toward the water line, hoping to stand on an exposed deck with the wind in my face, maybe see if there was a pilot boat.

The New York Times - Travel

She would immerse herself in other lives, other historical periods — "Anya" (1974) was about a Holocaust victim from Poland, and "The Snow Fox" (2004) explored the lives of lovers in medieval Japan — and then, once the information and emotion had been digested, would write in a long frantic dash, her husband recalled.

Los Angeles Times

In a late and frantic dash to the center, Mr. Romney argued for the first time in last week's debate that his plan to scale back income tax rates for the wealthy didn't really add up to a tax cut.

The New York Times

But in recent weeks, starting with the first debate, the challenger has made a brazen and frantic dash to the center, and Mr. Obama has often seemed off-balance, as if stunned that Mr. Romney thinks he can get away with such an obvious change of course so late in the race.

The New York Times

And every Law School alumnus remembers the squall of the search: the frenzied bustle of On-Campus Interviewing, the harried tangle of fellowship applications and government hiring deadlines, the frantic dash to snag a last-minute flight for a clerkship interview.

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional context. "A frantic dash" implies a heightened emotional state, such as fear, panic, or desperation, influencing the reader's perception of the described action.

Common error

Avoid using "a frantic dash" in formal or professional writing where a more neutral term like "a quick movement" or "a rapid relocation" would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a strong connotation of panic that may not be suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a frantic dash" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing hurried or chaotic movements in response to urgent situations. This is supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a frantic dash" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a hurried and chaotic movement, often driven by urgency or panic. Ludwig's analysis indicates it's most commonly found in news and media contexts, conveying a sense of immediacy. While appropriate for narrative and descriptive writing, it should be used cautiously in formal settings where a more neutral tone is required. The term effectively captures the essence of a hurried and anxious movement, making it a valuable addition to descriptive vocabulary. Ludwig AI confirms that this is grammatically sound and offers appropriate usage examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a frantic scramble

Similar to "a wild scramble" but emphasizes anxiety.

a mad rush

Emphasizes the chaotic and uncontrolled nature of the movement.

a wild scramble

Suggests a disorganized and desperate attempt to move quickly.

a hurried sprint

Focuses on the speed and urgency of the movement.

a desperate race

Highlights the high stakes and critical need for speed.

a rushed flight

Conveys speed and a sense of escaping something.

a headlong plunge

Suggests a reckless and uncontrolled forward movement.

an impetuous dash

Highlights the impulsive nature of the quick movement.

a chaotic surge

Emphasizes the disorganized and overwhelming nature of the movement.

a whirlwind sprint

Emphasizes the speed and energy of the movement, comparing it to a whirlwind.

FAQs

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

Use "a frantic dash" to describe a hurried and often chaotic movement driven by urgency or panic. For example: "Upon hearing the news, there was "a frantic dash" to secure supplies before the storm hit."

What are some alternatives to "a frantic dash"?

Alternatives include "a mad rush", "a hurried sprint", or "a desperate race", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a frantic dash" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a frantic dash" might be too informal or emotionally charged for certain formal contexts. Consider using a more neutral phrase like "a quick movement" or "a rapid relocation" instead.

What's the difference between "a frantic dash" and "a quick walk"?

"A frantic dash" implies a sense of urgency, panic, and speed, while "a quick walk" suggests a brisk but controlled pace without any element of desperation. The former conveys heightened emotion, while the latter does not.