cause for panic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause for panic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or event that may lead to feelings of fear or anxiety. Example: "The sudden rise in COVID-19 cases is a cause for panic among health officials and the public alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

For most of us there was no cause for panic.

The Guardian

For Armstrong supporters, there is no cause for panic.

The New York Times - Sports

Officials said there was no cause for panic.

The Economist

Health officials said the case in Pennsylvania, by itself, is not cause for panic.

The Washington Post

But Trump is the first president to manufacture a cause for panic out of an aberration.

The Washington Post

We should be vigilant but I don't see a cause for panic yet".

The Guardian

"These results are highly localized, so there is no cause for panic," he said.

The New York Times

Visiting a bank, driving a car — routine acts in most countries — were cause for panic.

The New York Times

The recent drop in the rupee is a healthy adjustment, not cause for panic, they say.

The Economist

Dr. Schwartz says getting a sunburn should not be a cause for panic.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Spectacular Atomic Explosions Mean Progress in Defense, No Cause For Panic," said an editorial in the The Deseret News.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cause for panic" when you want to reassure people that a situation, while potentially concerning, does not warrant extreme fear or overreaction.

Common error

Avoid using "cause for panic" when the situation clearly warrants significant concern. Overusing it can diminish the seriousness of legitimate threats and erode trust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause for panic" functions as a noun phrase, often used after a negative construction (e.g., "no cause for panic", "not a cause for panic"). As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to reassure or downplay the severity of a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

11%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cause for panic" is a versatile expression used to reassure and mitigate anxiety in various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and frequently employed, particularly in news and media, to downplay potentially alarming situations. When using "cause for panic", remember that it is most effective when aiming to prevent overreactions and maintain calm, but avoid using it to diminish legitimate concerns. Alternative phrases such as ""reason for alarm"" or "ground for concern" can offer nuanced perspectives depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason for alarm

Focuses more on the immediate signal that something is wrong, rather than the emotional reaction.

ground for concern

Emphasizes the justification for worry or unease about a situation.

reason to worry

Highlights the element of personal anxiety and concern regarding an event.

justification for anxiety

Similar to reason to worry but focuses specifically on anxiety and its basis.

basis for fear

Focuses explicitly on fear, suggesting a solid foundation for being afraid.

excuse for apprehension

Implies a valid reason to be uneasy or hesitant about something.

source of alarm

Highlights the origin or trigger that initiates the feeling of alarm.

matter for concern

Indicates something needs attention due to its potential negative impact.

occasion for trepidation

Suggests a specific event or situation that causes feelings of anxiety or fear.

warrant for hysteria

Implies a situation that could logically lead to uncontrolled emotional outbursts or panic.

FAQs

How can I use "cause for panic" in a sentence?

You can use "cause for panic" to describe situations that might seem alarming but don't justify extreme reactions. For example, "The media is overreacting; there is no "reason for alarm"."

What are some alternatives to "cause for panic"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "reason for concern", "ground for concern", or "reason to worry" to express varying degrees of alarm.

When is it appropriate to use "cause for panic"?

It's appropriate when you want to downplay a situation that others might see as dire or when experts are trying to calm public fears.

What's the difference between "cause for panic" and ""reason for alarm""?

"Cause for panic" suggests that a situation does not merit widespread fear, while ""reason for alarm"" indicates that there is a specific indicator that something is wrong.