a twinge of terror

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a twinge of terror" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden, brief feeling of fear or anxiety in a particular situation. Example: "As she walked through the dark alley, she felt a twinge of terror creeping up her spine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Recently, a friend posted on Facebook that when she feels a twinge of terror when considering a risk to take or stepping out of her comfort zone, then she knows those are the things she must do immediately.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

She felt a twinge of envy.

The New Yorker

I feel a twinge of revulsion.

The Guardian

Galla felt a twinge of betrayal.

The New York Times - Magazine

Perhaps he feels a twinge of complicity.

The New York Times - Books

Or maybe there is even a twinge of guilt.

The New York Times

I replaced the dress, with a twinge of regret.

The New York Times

Hearing that story recently elicited a twinge of guilt.

The New York Times

You may recall nervousness, a twinge of guilt.

The New York Times

Still, I can't help feeling a twinge of ambivalence.

The New York Times - Books

You have to feel a twinge of sympathy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a twinge of terror" to describe a brief, sharp feeling of fear or anxiety, often in response to a specific trigger or situation. It's suitable when the fear is not overwhelming but noticeable.

Common error

Avoid using "a twinge of terror" when the feeling is actually strong or prolonged. Opt for phrases like "a surge of terror" or "overwhelmed by fear" to better reflect intense experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a twinge of terror" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb like "feel" or "experience". As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a twinge of terror" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a brief, sharp feeling of fear or anxiety. Ludwig AI validates its usability, though its relatively low frequency suggests it's not a common expression. It's most often found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral tone. When using this phrase, ensure the intensity of the fear aligns with the "twinge" aspect. Consider alternatives like "a pang of fear" or "a flicker of dread" to fine-tune the emotional nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pang of fear

Replaces "twinge" with "pang", suggesting a sharper, more sudden feeling of fear.

a flicker of dread

Substitutes "twinge of terror" with "flicker of dread", implying a subtle yet unsettling sense of impending doom.

a shiver of fear

Emphasizes the physical sensation of fear, like a sudden cold.

a surge of panic

Conveys a more intense and overwhelming feeling of fear than "a twinge of terror".

a wave of anxiety

Focuses on the anxious aspect of the feeling, rather than pure terror.

a moment of fright

Highlights the brief duration of the fear experience.

a touch of apprehension

Softens the feeling, making it a milder form of worry.

a hint of alarm

Implies a slight and initial sense of danger.

a creeping unease

Describes a gradual and unsettling feeling, rather than a sudden jolt of terror.

a shadow of fear

Emphasizes the looming presence of fear, even if it's not fully realized.

FAQs

How can I use "a twinge of terror" in a sentence?

You can use "a twinge of terror" to describe a sudden, brief feeling of fear or anxiety. For example, "As she walked through the dark alley, she felt "a twinge of terror" creep up her spine".

What phrases are similar to "a twinge of terror"?

Alternatives include "a pang of fear", "a flicker of dread", or "a shiver of fear", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a twinge of terror" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a twinge of terror" may be perceived as somewhat informal. Consider using more formal alternatives like "a moment of apprehension" or "a surge of anxiety" in academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "a twinge of terror" and "a sense of dread"?

"A twinge of terror" describes a brief, sharp feeling of fear, while "a sense of dread" implies a more prolonged and pervasive feeling of impending doom.