gasp of fear

USAGE SUMMARY

"gasp of fear" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it in a sentence such as: "The young girl gave a gasp of fear as the thunder cracked outside her window."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Surely that gasp of fear and its sober reflection — "or was it simply my overwrought imagination running away with me?" — has escaped the lips of many a heroine in an 18th-­century novel, something thrilling by Mrs. Radcliffe, perhaps.

The New York Times - Books

This seemed to confirm my fear about flashbacks, and I gave an audible gasp of fear.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The net was low enough for the tightrope walker to be clearly visible to the crowd and for the prospect of a fall to elicit gasps of fear, but high enough to prevent life-threatening injuries from a fall.

The New York Times

She characterized the latest bout of violence as the last gasp of "rejectionists" who fear that the government will succeed in creating a united and peaceful Iraq.

The New York Times

The last gasp of white, male fear made certain of that.

HuffPost

But during my experience in the virtual world, I surprisingly got a sudden rush of fear, gasped, and started to sweat.

Vice

A bump in the road, a sudden stop, a loud noise -- all of these make me gasp in fear.

The New York Times

Vocalizations include purring, a threatening call, and a call of fear, consisting of "repeated loud, coarse inhalations and gasps of breath".

Wikipedia

After the audience gasped for a minute or two, held their breath and felt their eyes widen out of fear for him, he gracefully climbed back on to the wire.

Huffington Post

"Most people who see him say, 'Ooooh' " -- here he gives a gasp suggesting fear and awe.

The New York Times

Gasp of excitement.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gasp of fear" to vividly portray a character's immediate reaction to a frightening situation, adding emotional depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "gasp of fear" excessively, especially in contexts that don't genuinely warrant such a strong reaction. Overusing it can make your writing seem melodramatic and detract from the story's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gasp of fear" functions primarily as a noun phrase, describing a specific type of sound or action. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is correct and usable in written English. It serves to name the specific instance of a breath being sharply drawn due to fright.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gasp of fear" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a sudden intake of breath caused by fear. Though Ludwig AI confirms it's usable in English, it's a relatively rare expression, primarily found in news and media contexts. When writing, use it to effectively portray a character's immediate and intense fear, but avoid overuse in overly dramatic situations. Consider alternatives like "panicked gasp" or "startled intake of breath" to achieve similar effects with varying levels of intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fear-induced gasp

Uses a more descriptive, adjectival form to specify the cause of the gasp.

panicked gasp

Replaces 'fear' with 'panic', intensifying the emotion conveyed.

intake of breath from terror

Offers a similar meaning by specifying the cause of the breath intake.

startled intake of breath

Focuses on the physiological response of being startled, specifying the action more precisely.

sharp intake of breath in terror

Provides a more detailed description of the physiological and emotional response.

audible fear

Emphasizes the hearable aspect of fear, removing the specific action of gasping.

breathless terror

Emphasizes the feeling of terror and its effect on breathing, omitting the action of gasping.

sudden fright

Replaces the physical reaction with a general sense of alarm.

fearful exhalation

Describes the opposite action, emphasizing the release of breath due to fear.

expression of fear

Replaces the physical action with a general expression of emotion.

FAQs

How can I use "gasp of fear" in a sentence?

You can use "gasp of fear" to describe a sudden, involuntary reaction to something frightening. For example: "She let out a "gasp of fear" when she saw the shadowy figure in the alley."

What are some alternatives to "gasp of fear"?

Some alternatives include "panicked gasp", "startled intake of breath", or simply saying someone showed an "expression of fear".

Is it more appropriate to use "gasp of fear" or "gasp in fear"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "Gasp of fear" functions as a noun phrase describing the sound, while "gasp in fear" describes the action of gasping. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What feeling does "gasp of fear" convey?

The phrase conveys a feeling of sudden shock, surprise, and intense fear. It suggests an immediate, involuntary reaction to a perceived threat or danger.