in a state of panic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a state of panic" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's emotional or mental state when they are feeling extremely anxious or afraid. Example: When I heard the loud crash downstairs, I immediately went into a state of panic and started to shake uncontrollably.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Remember, about a year ago our global financial markets were in a state of panic.

Forbes

"People were in a state of panic.

The New York Times

"They're in a state of panic.

Independent

"People would be in a state of panic," Stewart said.

The New York Times - Sports

"He was in a state of panic," Mr. Perez said.

The New York Times

She was running, screaming and in a state of panic.

The Guardian

I've been told they're in a state of panic".

The New York Times

While I was in the office, an elderly couple arrived in a state of panic.

The New Yorker

Americans are in a state of panic as North Vietnamese forces prepare to occupy Saigon.

The New York Times - Books

During the third meeting, the Arab dignitaries were in a state of panic.

The New Yorker

And at that point in time I was in a state of panic.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a state of panic" to vividly describe moments of extreme fear, anxiety, or chaos, but avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "in a frenzy of fear" or "in a state of alarm" for nuanced expression.

Common error

Avoid using "in a state of panic" when describing mild nervousness or general anxiety. Reserve it for scenarios involving intense fear, disorientation, or loss of control. Instead, use words such as "worried", "anxious" or "concerned" for milder situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a state of panic" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a state is experienced. It indicates the condition under which something occurs, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

15%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a state of panic" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe extreme fear or anxiety, as Ludwig AI confirms. Its usage spans various contexts, from news reports and encyclopedias to scientific research and informal conversations. While versatile, it's crucial to reserve this phrase for genuinely intense situations to avoid diluting its impact. Consider using synonyms like "in a frenzy of fear" or "in a state of alarm" for nuanced expression and remember not to use it when describing simple anxiety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a state of alarm

Implies a reaction to a perceived danger or threat, close to panic but possibly more controlled.

in a heightened state of anxiety

Emphasizes the elevated level of anxiety and nervousness.

in a frenzy of fear

Focuses more on the uncontrolled emotional outburst triggered by fear, rather than the overall condition.

stricken with terror

Indicates a sudden and intense onset of terror.

gripped by fear

Suggests that fear has taken control of someone's actions and thoughts.

overcome with terror

Emphasizes the feeling of terror as the dominant emotion affecting the person.

beset by anxiety

Highlights the overwhelming feeling of anxiety and worry.

consumed by worry

Highlights the pervasive and all-encompassing nature of worry.

in complete disarray

Shifts the focus to the chaotic and disorganized state of mind or situation.

at wit's end

Indicates a feeling of helplessness and not knowing what to do.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "in a state of panic" in a sentence?

Employ "in a state of panic" to illustrate a scenario where someone is experiencing overwhelming fear or anxiety that impairs their ability to think or act rationally. For example: "Upon discovering the house was on fire, she ran out "in a state of panic"."

What are some alternatives to saying "in a state of panic"?

Alternatives include "in a frenzy of fear", "in a state of alarm", or "overcome with terror", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of extreme distress.

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

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "in a state of panic" is a common and accepted way to describe someone experiencing intense fear or anxiety.

When is it appropriate to use "in a state of panic" rather than "anxious" or "nervous"?

Use "in a state of panic" when the level of anxiety is so high that it results in a loss of control, irrational behavior, or extreme fear. "Anxious" or "nervous" are more suitable for milder feelings of unease or worry.