a ripple of panic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a ripple of panic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden, spreading feeling of fear or anxiety among a group of people. Example: "As the announcement was made, a ripple of panic spread through the crowd, causing many to look around in confusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A ripple of panic pulses through me.

The Guardian - Opinion

"At once, I felt a ripple of panic run through the hall.

The New Yorker

Another Earthquake Hits Off Indonesian Coast Just three months after a deadly tsunami punched through the Indian Ocean, a powerful underwater earthquake struck off the west coast of Indonesia, sending a ripple of panic and public warnings across a still traumatized region.

The New York Times

A ripple of panic passed through the French lines as the astounding news spread: "La Garde recule.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Instead, the show generated a ripple of genuine concern.

The New York Times - Magazine

There was a ripple of knowing laughter from the students.

The New York Times - Magazine

A ripple of nervous laughter issued from the audience.

The New Yorker

A ripple of horror runs through the teenaged audience.

The Guardian

A ripple of laughter ran through the group.

The New Yorker

A ripple of excitement spread through the beasts.

The New Yorker

The interruption caused a ripple of fear in the crowds.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a ripple of panic" to describe a situation where a feeling of fear spreads quickly through a group, often in response to unexpected news or events. It's effective for illustrating a collective emotional reaction.

Common error

While "a ripple of panic" can be effective, avoid using it excessively, especially in already dramatic situations. Overuse can dilute the impact and make your writing seem melodramatic. Consider more nuanced descriptions of fear or anxiety to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a ripple of panic" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use to describe a sudden, spreading feeling of fear within a group. The phrase effectively captures the imagery of an emotion expanding outwards.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a ripple of panic" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that describes a sudden, spreading feeling of fear or anxiety. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources, portraying events that trigger collective anxiety. The phrase is considered neutral in tone and is best used to illustrate the immediate, contagious nature of fear within a group, but avoid overuse to ensure your writing doesn't become melodramatic. Consider using alternatives like "a wave of anxiety" or "a surge of fear" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wave of anxiety

Replaces "ripple" with "wave", emphasizing a larger, more intense feeling.

a surge of fear

Substitutes "ripple" with "surge", indicating a sudden and powerful increase in fear.

a spreading sense of dread

Replaces "panic" with "dread", conveying a more prolonged and ominous feeling.

a tremor of anxiety

Uses "tremor" instead of "ripple", suggesting a subtle but noticeable feeling of anxiety.

a flush of fear

Employs "flush" to describe a sudden and intense feeling of fear, often associated with physical sensations.

a creeping unease

Focuses on a gradual and unsettling feeling of discomfort and anxiety.

a mounting apprehension

Highlights a growing sense of anxiety and anticipation of something unpleasant.

a sudden fright

Replaces the nuanced "ripple of panic" with a more direct expression of sudden fear.

a flash of alarm

Uses "flash" to convey a brief and intense moment of fear or concern.

a shadow of fear

Employs "shadow" to represent a subtle and lingering feeling of fear.

FAQs

How can I use "a ripple of panic" in a sentence?

You can use "a ripple of panic" to describe a situation where a feeling of fear or anxiety spreads quickly through a group of people. For example: "A ripple of panic passed through the crowd when the announcement was made".

What phrases are similar to "a ripple of panic"?

Similar phrases include "a wave of anxiety", "a surge of fear", or "a spreading sense of dread", each conveying a sense of sudden fear or unease.

Is "a ripple of panic" formal or informal?

"A ripple of panic" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding text and situation.

What's the difference between "a ripple of panic" and "a sense of panic"?

"A ripple of panic" suggests a spreading feeling affecting a group, while "a sense of panic" can refer to an individual's feeling or a more general atmosphere of fear. The former implies propagation, the latter simply existence.