frantic

USAGE SUMMARY

'frantic' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use the word when describing someone's behavior as being frantic or showing signs of intense activity or agitation. For example: "He was in a frantic rush to finish his report before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But seven unanswered goals from the Swans closed the margin to just three points midway through the final term, ensuring for a frantic finish.

The Guardian - Sport

But in the antic and frantic world of advertising, who is to say what a powerful self-promotional tool quietly spoken and cerebral self-effacement might be?

The Guardian

But in January 1987, Liverpool visited Everton in the Littlewoods Cup – "a throbbing, frantic match," wrote the Guardian.

The Guardian - Sport

e0405e90-2bf7-45f4-b370-6811907fef7b IN THE frantic search for ways to stop the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a gel that women apply to their vaginas before having sex, in order to destroy or disable the virus, sounds one of the most desperate.

The Economist

Now it's Max Frost's addictive, frantic ode to relationship paranoiaWhite Lies at 42. Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 4.48pm AEST05:48 Very far from Sweden, nudity seems to be occuring.

The Guardian

After a frantic opening, in which only a well-timed intervention from Hugo Campagnaro prevented Carlos Tévez from putting Mirko Vucinic through on goal, Inter gradually took control of the game.

The Guardian - Sport

The remaining minutes were frantic, if marred by some cynical time-wasting on behalf of the visitors.

The Guardian - Sport

Frantic staff can be heard during the continual arrivals.

The Guardian

Smith's third goal of the playoffs set the stage for a frantic finish as both sides pushed for the winning score.

The Guardian - Sport

At this level, it's a poised graphic object, but its eccentric repertoire of figurative imagery – mythical monsters, dismembered limbs, bugs and gargoyles – and its frantic, deranged textual contents violently contradict its formal elegance.

The Guardian - Arts

He reflected on 20-hour work days, last-minute appeals, frantic searches for new evidence and, in unsuccessful cases, the difficulty of witnessing final moments his clients spent with their loved ones.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "frantic" to vividly describe situations characterized by urgency, anxiety, or chaotic activity. For example, "The search party launched a frantic effort to find the missing hiker."

Common error

Avoid using "frantic" when describing mild excitement or anticipation. "Frantic" implies a higher level of distress and urgency than simple eagerness warrants. Opt for words like "excited" or "enthusiastic" instead.

Linguistic Context

"Frantic" serves primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of extreme emotional agitation or hurried activity. Examples from Ludwig, such as "frantic finish" and "frantic search", illustrate this function effectively. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "frantic" is a versatile adjective employed to depict situations and behaviors marked by extreme anxiety, urgency, and heightened activity. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is grammatically sound and suitable for diverse writing contexts. Its prevalence in news articles, business documents, and scientific publications underscores its widespread acceptance. When seeking alternative expressions, options such as "frenzied", "agitated", or "panicked" can offer nuanced variations while maintaining semantic proximity. Remember to use "frantic" when you want to clearly communicate a sense of urgency and heightened emotional state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frenzied

Replaces "frantic" with a term emphasizing wild excitement or agitation.

in a frenzy

Emphasizes a state of uncontrolled excitement or agitation, mirroring a "frantic" demeanor.

agitated

Substitutes "frantic" with a word highlighting visible unease or restlessness.

panicked

Emphasizes the element of fear and loss of control present in a "frantic" state.

desperate

Highlights the urgency and lack of hope associated with "frantic" efforts.

feverish

Replaces "frantic" with a term suggesting intense and uncontrolled activity.

hectic

Focuses on the busyness and chaos implied by "frantic", often related to schedules or activity.

turbulent

Suggests a state of disturbance and disorder, similar to the chaos of a "frantic" situation.

unhinged

Implies a loss of emotional stability and control, comparable to a "frantic" emotional state.

hyperactive

Replaces "frantic" with a term suggesting excessive energy and activity.

FAQs

How can I use "frantic" in a sentence?

You can use "frantic" to describe actions or emotions filled with anxiety and urgency, such as "The mother was in a "frantic search" for her lost child" or "The team made a frantic effort to meet the deadline".

What are some alternatives to "frantic"?

Alternatives to "frantic" include "frenzied", "agitated", and "panicked". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "frantic"?

"Frantic" is appropriate when describing situations or behaviors marked by extreme anxiety, urgency, and a sense of being out of control. It's often used to depict chaotic or desperate attempts to achieve something.

What is the difference between "frantic" and "hectic"?

"Frantic" emphasizes anxiety and desperation, while "hectic" focuses on being extremely busy and overwhelmed with activity. A situation can be hectic without being frantic, and vice versa.