frantically

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "frantically" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone who is experiencing intense and uncontrolled emotion or activity. For example: "The little dog ran frantically around the room, barking and knocking objects over."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Having frantically tried to dig his way out of a barn where hundreds were being burned to death, a man's body lies wedged under a wall where he was shot by German troops.

The Guardian - Film

It frantically lobbies against any Australian government criticising settlements.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was twice-forewarned as I crashed down through a thicket behind the hamlet's church: a beetle impaled on a long thorn; nearby, a bee, still buzzing frantically, had suffered the same fate.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, a young woman is frantically Googling German men's names on her laptop.

The Guardian

I frantically called the ambulance but within minutes the baby's head had emerged.

The Guardian - Opinion

Told that her brother, Edward (Taron Egerton), is among the wounded, she searches frantically for him among the bodies.

The Guardian - Film

The show builds to a furious crescendo that sees Yannis frantically hammering away at his guitar while standing on top of the bar at the rear of the venue as the band build up a frenzy onstage.

The Guardian - Music

You can almost hear the producer frantically making the throat-slitting gesture.

The Guardian

No, LiS wants it to be true – Rock's Greatest Showman and TV's Mr Nick-Nick, nostrils twitching, frantically formulating plans to head at once to Guernsey – and lives in hope of similar revelations from showbiz's past, eg: Jimmy Cricket shooting speed with Lou Reed.

The Guardian

For Durham in county cricket he often scores fast and frantically.

The Guardian - Sport

Incidents spread over the picture without ever quite coming into focus, which makes the eye skitter frantically over the picture plane.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "frantically" to vividly depict situations where someone is acting out of desperation or extreme anxiety. For example, "She searched frantically for her lost keys before the meeting."

Common error

Avoid using "frantically" in formal or professional writing where a more restrained adverb like "urgently" or "quickly" would be more appropriate. Overuse can make the writing seem melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "frantically" primarily functions as a modifier, describing how an action is performed. It indicates a state of agitation, desperation, or uncontrolled haste. Ludwig's examples showcase its use to intensify verbs related to searching, lobbying, and acting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adverb "frantically" is a common and useful word to describe actions performed with extreme haste and anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, where it effectively conveys the urgency of events. While versatile, it is best to use it judiciously in formal writing, opting for more neutral alternatives when appropriate. By understanding its nuances and potential overuse, writers can effectively harness "frantically" to enhance their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a frenzy

Focuses more on the state of agitation rather than the speed of action.

in a panic

Emphasizes the fear and anxiety driving the action.

wildly

Highlights the uncontrolled nature of the action.

furiously

Suggests anger or intense energy behind the action.

desperately

Implies a sense of hopelessness and urgency.

hysterically

Indicates extreme emotional distress affecting behavior.

maniacally

Suggests a level of madness or extreme obsession.

with great haste

Focuses solely on the speed and urgency of the action.

at breakneck speed

Emphasizes the high speed and potential danger of the action.

in a mad rush

Highlights the chaotic and hurried nature of the action.

FAQs

How to use "frantically" in a sentence?

Use "frantically" to describe someone acting in a hurried, disorganized, and anxious manner. For example: "The students were "frantically" trying to finish the exam before time ran out."

What can I say instead of "frantically"?

Alternatives to "frantically" include "desperately", "wildly", or "hysterically" depending on the specific context and the emotion you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "frantically" in formal writing?

While "frantically" is grammatically correct, it may be too informal or emotionally charged for some formal contexts. Consider using a more neutral adverb like "urgently" or "expeditiously" in those situations.

What is the difference between "frantically" and "eagerly"?

"Frantically" implies anxiety and desperation, while "eagerly" suggests enthusiasm and anticipation. They describe different emotional states and should be used accordingly.