a sense of panic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sense of panic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of anxiety or fear that arises in a particular situation. Example: "As the deadline approached, I felt a sense of panic creeping in, making it hard to focus on my work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

There is – momentarily – a sense of panic.

The Guardian - Film

A sense of panic engenders hasty judgments.

The Guardian

You grow dizzy; a sense of panic seizes the table.

The New York Times - Food

As realization set in, so did a sense of panic.

The New Yorker

"But then, I felt a sense of panic".

The New York Times

Moments after the birth of my second child, a sense of panic took over the room.

The New York Times

"It's creating a sense of panic among a large segment of the Greek population".

The New York Times

"I wasn't surprised that later, looking back, he said there was a sense of panic.

The New Yorker

One senior prosecutor said: "I think there was a sense of panic.

The Guardian

I don't want to convey a sense of panic -- it's not Ebola.

The New York Times

When, on day 14, the major probe found nothing, Lilly remembers a sense of panic.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sense of panic" to vividly describe the emotional reaction to sudden, unexpected, or threatening situations. It effectively conveys the intensity and immediacy of fear or anxiety.

Common error

While versatile, avoid relying heavily on "a sense of panic" in formal or academic writing where more precise and nuanced terms like "heightened anxiety" or "acute distress" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sense of panic" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a verb, describing a subjective emotional experience. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase is used to depict a sudden feeling of intense fear or anxiety.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sense of panic" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a sudden and intense feeling of fear or anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is versatile, appearing frequently in news and media, but also in scientific and formal contexts. While it effectively conveys strong emotion, it's important to consider the context and choose more nuanced language for formal writing when appropriate. Related phrases include "a feeling of dread" and "a surge of anxiety", offering alternatives based on the specific shade of meaning you intend to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a feeling of dread

Emphasizes a feeling of impending doom or fear about something that might happen.

a surge of anxiety

Highlights the sudden and overwhelming nature of the anxious feeling.

a wave of fear

Focuses on the fear being intense and sweeping over someone.

a state of alarm

Indicates a condition of heightened awareness and concern.

a moment of terror

Emphasizes the extreme fear experienced during a specific instant.

an episode of acute anxiety

Describes a period of intense and sudden anxiety.

a growing unease

Focuses on the gradual increase in discomfort and anxiety.

a distressing feeling

Highlights the unpleasant and troubling nature of the emotion.

an impending crisis

Focuses on the anticipation of a dangerous or difficult situation.

a frightful experience

Emphasizes the scary and alarming quality of the event.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sense of panic" to describe a feeling of sudden fear or anxiety, as in, "A sense of panic washed over her when she realized she was lost."

What are some alternatives to "a sense of panic"?

Alternatives include "a feeling of dread", "a surge of anxiety", or "a wave of fear", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a sense of panic" or "a feeling of panic"?

Both "a sense of panic" and "a feeling of panic" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations.

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

"Anxiety" is a general state of worry or unease, while "a sense of panic" refers to a more acute and intense experience of fear that arises suddenly in response to a perceived threat or crisis.