filled with consternation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "filled with consternation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of anxiety or dismay in response to a situation or event. Example: "After hearing the unexpected news, she was filled with consternation, unsure of how to proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

My old journal entries are filled with consternation and shame over wrong actions and sins done.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

When Caesar marched on Rome, writes Plutarch, "the city was filled with uproar, consternation and terror such as had never been known before".

The New York Times

His exploits filled Manila with consternation, and councils were held to devise some method of getting rid of him ; but he set all their efforts at naught.

Cornell University

Filled with emotion.

The New York Times

Streets filled with sand.

The New York Times

filled with NGM buffer.

Plosone

Fill the hole half filled with water.

WikiHow

This one tells of 1920s events related by an old friend of a family whose troubles were made worse by the discovery of a teenage son's journal: "His thoughts became so terrible that they filled even him with consternation".

The Guardian - Books

Then fill with air.

WikiHow

Now fill with fluid.

WikiHow

They are filled simultaneously with merriment and consternation.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "filled with consternation" to describe a strong emotional reaction to an unexpected or troubling event. It is best suited for situations where surprise and anxiety are both present.

Common error

Avoid using "filled with consternation" in everyday situations. It's a relatively formal phrase and might sound out of place in casual conversation or informal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "filled with consternation" functions as a verb phrase followed by a prepositional phrase, describing a state of being affected by a strong emotion. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "filled with consternation" is used to describe a state of being overcome with anxiety and dismay, typically in response to an unexpected event. As noted by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and suitable for neutral to formal writing. While not extremely common, it appears in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, making it appropriate for conveying a strong emotional reaction. However, overuse in casual contexts should be avoided. Related phrases like "overcome with anxiety" or "filled with dread" can offer alternative ways to express similar feelings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overcome with anxiety

Focuses on the feeling of anxiety overpowering someone, rather than the specific cause of consternation.

filled with dread

Emphasizes a feeling of intense fear or apprehension about something in the future.

struck with alarm

Highlights a sudden feeling of fear or concern.

seized by panic

Indicates a sudden, overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety, often leading to irrational behavior.

consumed by worry

Focuses on the persistent and pervasive nature of worry, suggesting a state of mental preoccupation.

gripped by fear

Highlights the intense and restrictive nature of fear, as if it has a physical hold on someone.

in a state of agitation

Describes a condition of restlessness and unease, often accompanied by anxiety or worry.

beset by apprehension

Emphasizes the feeling of unease and worry about potential future events.

fraught with anxiety

Indicates a situation or state that is full of or characterized by anxiety.

filled with trepidation

Similar to consternation, but specifically emphasizes fear or anxiety about something that is going to happen.

FAQs

What does "filled with consternation" mean?

It means to be filled with a feeling of anxiety or dismay, typically at something unexpected.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "filled with consternation"?

It's appropriate when describing a strong, often negative, reaction to surprising or worrying news or events. It suggests a sense of alarm and unease.

What are some alternatives to "filled with consternation"?

You can use alternatives like "overcome with anxiety", "filled with dread", or "struck with alarm", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "filled with consternation" formal or informal?

It leans towards the formal side. While understandable in most contexts, it might sound overly dramatic in casual settings.