in a panic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a panic" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe when one experiences a sudden overwhelming fear or anxiety. For example, "The crowd ran outside in a panic after hearing the loud explosion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're in a panic.

The New York Times

Hudson isn't in a panic.

Independent

Yossi flees in a panic.

The New York Times

Sherrard looked around in a panic.

The New Yorker

The place is in a panic.

The New Yorker

She spent Friday in a panic.

The New York Times

I left the store in a panic.

The New York Times

Our members are in a panic.

The New York Times

MIAMI — George Zimmerman was in a panic.

The New York Times

Rebecca: I was in a panic.

The New York Times

"Who?" I asked her in a panic.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a panic" to describe a sudden, overwhelming feeling of fear or anxiety. This phrase is appropriate when someone reacts impulsively or irrationally due to stress.

Common error

Avoid using "in a panic" when describing situations where someone is responding to an emergency calmly and effectively. The phrase implies a loss of control, so ensure it aligns with the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a panic" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe how an action is performed. It indicates that something is done while experiencing a sudden, overwhelming fear. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is common and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a panic" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe a state of sudden, overwhelming fear or anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions adverbially, modifying verbs to indicate the manner in which an action is performed. It is most frequently found in News & Media, but also appears in Science and Formal & Business contexts. Alternatives include "in a frenzy", "in a state of alarm", and "stricken with terror", each with slightly different nuances. When using the phrase, ensure that it aligns with the context and accurately reflects the uncontrolled, fear-driven nature of the action being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stricken with terror

Conveys a sense of being suddenly and powerfully affected by terror.

in a frenzy

Suggests a more agitated and uncontrolled state compared to simply being in a panic.

beside oneself with worry

Highlights the overwhelming nature of the worry, suggesting emotional distress.

in a state of alarm

Implies a more formal or official recognition of danger or threat.

consumed by anxiety

Emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of the anxiety.

in a flap

A more informal and often humorous way of saying someone is agitated or worried.

in a tizzy

Similar to "in a flap" but perhaps implying a greater degree of confusion or disorganization.

in a cold sweat

Focuses on the physical manifestation of fear and anxiety.

scared stiff

Emphasizes the immobilizing effect of extreme fear.

with bated breath

Implies anxious anticipation rather than immediate panic.

FAQs

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

You can use "in a panic" to describe someone experiencing sudden and overwhelming fear. For example, "She ran "in a panic" when she heard the alarm".

What are some alternatives to "in a panic"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in a frenzy", "in a state of alarm", or "beside oneself with worry", each conveying a slightly different nuance of fear or anxiety.

Is it grammatically correct to say "in a panic"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase is a prepositional phrase commonly used to modify a verb, describing the manner in which an action is performed.

What's the difference between "in a panic" and "panicked"?

"In a panic" is a prepositional phrase that describes a state of being, while "panicked" is an adjective or verb. For example, "She was "in a panic"" describes her state, while "She panicked" describes her action.