a surge of panic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a surge of panic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and intense feeling of fear or anxiety that overwhelms someone. Example: "As the deadline approached, a surge of panic washed over her, making it difficult to concentrate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Literature

Personal Experience

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Emails I reply to politely, as I swallow a surge of panic.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Authorities treated the incident discreetly, and a surge of panic quickly passed.

The New York Times - Magazine

He felt a surge of panic and regret that was so extreme it made his heart ache.

The New Yorker

If there had been a surge of panic or a fire, we would all have been trampled, for there was no escape.

The New York Times

King "feels a surge of panic and guilt that is the feeling of being in jail"; he is trapped not only in prison but in a set of narratives that overdetermined his guilt narratives that resonate with how he understands himself, and how he understands others to understand him.

The New Yorker

She feels a surge of panic.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

A surge of crazy panic and, with a few deep breaths, mustering an "It's all gonna be OK" simultaneously.

Huffington Post

Out of nowhere a terrible surge of panic erupted.

The Guardian

The wine list is long and of the sort that demands your eye scan only the column of numbers on the right with an increasing surge of panic.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Any attempts to return to normal eating patterns wind up flooding the hypersensitive brain with a surge of serotonin, creating panic, rage and emotional instability.

The Guardian

Despite that surge of panic, all is not lost, say creative thinkers, some of whom have panicked similarly.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To create a more impactful sentence, follow "a surge of panic" with details about the character's physical or mental reaction to the feeling.

Common error

Be mindful of the intensity implied by "a surge of panic". If the situation only warrants mild anxiety or unease, consider using less dramatic phrases like "a moment of worry" or "a slight apprehension".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a surge of panic" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage. It describes an abrupt and intense onset of fear or anxiety, providing a vivid depiction of emotional experience.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Literature

30%

Personal Experience

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a surge of panic" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that effectively conveys a sudden and intense feeling of fear or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most frequently found in news reports, literature, and personal narratives. While alternatives like "a wave of panic" or "a rush of panic" exist, "a surge of panic" provides a forceful and vivid description suitable for a variety of contexts. Remember to use this phrase when you want to emphasize the abrupt and overwhelming nature of fear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wave of panic

Uses "wave" instead of "surge" to describe the feeling, implying a similar sudden and overwhelming experience.

a rush of panic

Substitutes "surge" with "rush", emphasizing the speed and intensity of the feeling.

a flood of panic

Replaces "surge" with "flood", highlighting the overwhelming nature of the feeling.

a burst of panic

Employs "burst" to suggest a sudden and intense onset of panic.

a fit of panic

Replaces "surge" with "fit", indicating a sudden and uncontrollable episode of panic.

an attack of panic

Uses "attack" to describe the experience of panic, highlighting its sudden and overwhelming nature.

a moment of panic

Focuses on the temporary nature of the panic, suggesting a brief but intense experience.

a feeling of panic

Generalizes the experience as a feeling, without emphasizing the intensity or suddenness.

a sense of panic

Describes the experience as a perception or awareness of panic, rather than a sudden onset.

sudden anxiety

Simplifies the phrase to a general feeling of anxiety that arises suddenly.

FAQs

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

You can use "a surge of panic" to describe a sudden and overwhelming feeling of fear or anxiety. For instance: "As the deadline approached, "a surge of panic" washed over her.".

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

Alternatives include "a wave of panic", "a rush of panic", or "a flood of panic", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "a surge of anxiety" instead of "a surge of panic"?

Yes, "a surge of anxiety" is a valid alternative, although "panic" suggests a more intense and sudden fear than general "anxiety".

What's the difference between "a surge of panic" and "a wave of panic"?

While both convey a sudden rush of intense emotion, ""a surge of panic"" might imply a more abrupt and forceful onset, whereas "a wave of panic" could suggest a more gradual build-up.