became frantic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became frantic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone or something has transitioned into a state of panic or extreme anxiety. Example: "When the fire alarm went off, the crowd became frantic, rushing towards the exits in a state of confusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The drummers' rhythm became frantic.

The Guardian - Travel

His attacks on himself became frantic.

The Guardian

As I watched the cooking time expanding into hours, not minutes, I became frantic.

The New York Times - Travel

But when she tried to stop administering pentothal, Mason became frantic.

The New York Times - Magazine

In pursuit of the initial high, I became frantic about how class was run.

The New York Times

By the end of the year, he said, he "became frantic to draw the figure".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Preparations in Bangkok have become frantic.

The New York Times

Then she cracks open her laptop to resume a job hunt that has become frantic.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, we've been here too often before with Bausch, and at times the straining for effect becomes frantic.

The Guardian

She was like those people who retire to a place where they have holidayed, and in this holiday place become frantic with boredom and solitude.

The New Yorker

When the place becomes frantic, service can get a bit rough at the edges (our waitress presented the bill without asking if we wanted dessert).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "became frantic" when you want to convey a sense of escalating panic or anxiety in a situation or character. Ensure the context supports this heightened emotional state.

Common error

Avoid using "became frantic" in formal or professional writing, such as business reports or academic papers, where a more restrained and precise vocabulary is preferred. Opt for alternatives like "grew anxious" or "became concerned" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became frantic" functions as a verb phrase within a sentence. It typically describes the action of transitioning into a state of extreme anxiety or panic. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "became frantic" is a commonly used verb phrase that describes the action of transitioning into a state of extreme anxiety or panic. According to Ludwig AI, it's considered correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it serves to convey strong emotional responses. While grammatically sound, it's best to avoid in formal or scientific writing and to use less intense alternatives such as "grew anxious" or "became concerned" to preserve formality. The phrase's strength lies in its ability to depict intense emotional upheaval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

panicked

Focuses on a sudden onset of fear and loss of reason.

entered a panic

Focuses on the transition to a sudden and overwhelming fear state.

turned hysterical

Suggests a loss of control and extreme emotional outburst.

became desperate

Highlights a sense of hopelessness and urgent need.

grew anxious

Emphasizes the development of anxiety over time, less intense.

became overwrought

Suggests a state of being excessively worried or agitated.

got agitated

Implies a state of unease and restlessness, less severe.

lost composure

Implies a failure to maintain a calm and controlled demeanor.

descended into chaos

Indicates a situation spiraling out of control and into confusion.

spiraled out of control

Highlights a progressive loss of regulation and stability.

FAQs

How can I use "became frantic" in a sentence?

You can use "became frantic" to describe a sudden onset of panic or extreme worry. For instance, "When she realized her child was missing, she "became frantic"."

What can I say instead of "became frantic"?

You can use alternatives like "grew anxious", "panicked", or "became desperate" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "became frantic" and "became anxious"?

"Became frantic" suggests a higher level of panic and loss of control compared to "became anxious", which indicates a more general state of worry.

Is it appropriate to use "became frantic" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "became frantic" is more suitable for informal or narrative contexts. In formal writing, consider using more restrained alternatives like "grew concerned" or "became agitated".