a touch of panic

USAGE SUMMARY

"a touch of panic" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a slight feeling of anxiety or fear in a situation. Example: "As the deadline approached, she felt a touch of panic creeping in." Alternative expressions include "a hint of panic" and "a dash of panic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

On Monday, prior to the arrest, there was a sweeping response to the attempted attack in the tourist-packed city-within-a-city of Times Square — including an increased police presence, vehicle inspections and a touch of panic from veteran New Yorkers when a manhole fire flared five blocks from the scene of the failed bombing.

The New York Times

And just to sprinkle a touch of panic over your scramble, the openers for both nights are US Christmas and a little southern metal outfit called Mastodon.

Vice

Stuck between his sexual desire and the fear of his own mortality, his screaming face is one of anxiety, fear, and maybe a touch of panic".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He was relieved and delivered his proposal; she accepted, albeit with a touch of her trademark panic.

The New York Times

When the sun began to set, he felt the first electric touch of panic, an early sign of what psychologists call "woods shock," or what used to be called simply "bewilderment".

The New Yorker

Set the record straight by making your own list! 5. Jack Butler (Mr. Mom, 1983) 20th Century Fox The John Hughes comedy about a stay-at-home dad struggling to hold his life together was ahead of its time in its predictions of the changes in store for the American family, and Keaton brought to it a touching combination of panic and heart.

Huffington Post

I knew I wouldn't panic, but I expected to feel a touch of fright when I first looked down from 12,500 feet, ready to jump.

Forbes

There is a touch of Hal, the father Cranston played on "Malcolm in the Middle," about him still — he might almost waggle his hands in panic for comic effect.

The New Yorker

"A touch of a roadhouse.

The New York Times - Magazine

And a touch of frustration.

The New York Times

7. "A Touch of Sin".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a touch of panic" to describe a mild, initial feeling of anxiety or fear, often in response to a surprising or challenging situation. It suggests the feeling is present but not overwhelming.

Common error

Avoid using "a touch of panic" when describing intense or debilitating fear. This phrase is best suited for situations where the feeling is mild and manageable, not overwhelming.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a touch of panic" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a mild degree of fear or anxiety. The Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is grammatically sound and understandable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a touch of panic" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a mild or initial feeling of anxiety or fear. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in English writing. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While it is suitable for general use, it is important to use it appropriately, avoiding overstatement when describing intense fear. Alternatives such as "a hint of anxiety" or "a slight apprehension" can be considered for subtle variations in meaning. Overall, this phrase effectively conveys a sense of mild unease without implying overwhelming distress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of anxiety

Replaces "panic" with "anxiety", softening the intensity of the feeling.

a slight apprehension

Uses more formal vocabulary to express a mild feeling of unease.

a tinge of alarm

Emphasizes the suddenness and mildness of the feeling.

a dash of unease

Employs a more figurative expression to describe a small amount of discomfort.

a flutter of worry

Replaces "panic" with a more gentle term, suggesting a brief and mild concern.

a soupçon of dread

Uses a French loanword to add a touch of sophistication to the feeling of fear.

a tremor of fear

Emphasizes the physical manifestation of fear, suggesting a trembling sensation.

a shadow of anxiety

Implies a looming sense of worry, but not yet full-blown panic.

a whisper of concern

Highlights the quiet, subtle nature of the initial worry.

an inkling of fright

Replaces panic with fright, diminishing the potential severity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a touch of panic" to describe a mild feeling of anxiety or fear. For example: "As the deadline approached, she felt "a touch of panic" creeping in."

What's a more formal way to say "a touch of panic"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "slight apprehension" or "hint of anxiety". These alternatives maintain a similar meaning while employing more elevated language.

Is "a touch of panic" appropriate for describing a serious panic attack?

No, "a touch of panic" is not suitable for describing a severe panic attack. It's better used for milder feelings of unease. For serious panic, describe it as a "panic attack" or use more descriptive and intense language.

What can I say instead of "a touch of panic" when the feeling is stronger?

If you want to express a stronger feeling than "a touch of panic", consider using phrases like "a wave of panic", "a surge of panic", or "overwhelmed with anxiety".