my pulse quickened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "my pulse quickened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of excitement, anxiety, or anticipation in a moment. Example: "As she walked into the room, my pulse quickened at the sight of her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

My pulse quickened as I listened to a music box wind down, the approaching stillness almost too much to bear.

The New York Times - Arts

As we headed back to Manhattan in a cab, my pulse quickened at the first glimpse of the Empire State Building and the "Do Not Back Up" sign (who would want to?) above the toll plaza as we entered the Midtown Tunnel in Long Island City.

The New York Times

My pulse quickened as I brought the taco to my mouth.

Vice

My pulse quickened like it would for an impending physical attack.

Huffington Post

My pulse quickened, and I immediately had the sensation of wanting to retrieve the emails.

Huffington Post

My pulse quickened, my face flushed, I had a heightened awareness of my environment, no longer lost in my thoughts.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

My pulse quickens.

The New York Times - Style

I felt my pulse quicken.

The New York Times

My pulse quickens at the prospect of five weeks' wallowing in all that unmitigated glamour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When the ground beneath me shakes (not earthquakes just for random reasons, in a lift, etc) my pulse quickens.

The Guardian

My pulse quickens as we near the entrance to Liseberg, which is framed by tall castle-like towers.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "my pulse quickened" to vividly describe a character's physical response to a moment of anticipation, fear, or excitement in your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "my pulse quickened" to describe everyday, uneventful situations. Reserve it for moments that genuinely evoke a strong emotional or physical response to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my pulse quickened" functions as an intransitive verb phrase expressing a physiological response to a stimulus. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable to describe feelings of excitement, anxiety, or anticipation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "my pulse quickened" is a grammatically sound way to describe a heightened emotional state reflected in a physical sensation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-regarded and usable in written English. While not overly formal, its frequency is "uncommon", appearing often in journalistic and fictional writing to vividly depict a character's reaction. When writing, consider using "my pulse quickened" to add depth to narrative, but avoid overuse in mundane contexts. Alternatives such as "my heart raced" or "I felt a thrill" offer similar expressions with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my heart raced

Focuses specifically on the heart's increased activity, suggesting excitement or fear.

my heart pounded

Emphasizes a strong, rapid heartbeat, often associated with intense physical exertion or anxiety.

my adrenaline surged

Highlights the physiological response to stress or excitement, indicating a rush of energy.

my senses heightened

Describes an increased awareness and sensitivity to the surroundings, often due to anticipation or danger.

i felt a thrill

Conveys a sense of excitement and pleasure, often associated with positive anticipation.

i felt a rush of excitement

Emphasizes the sudden and intense feeling of enthusiasm or anticipation.

my blood ran cold

Indicates a sudden feeling of fear or shock, causing a sensation of coldness.

my palms sweated

Focuses on a specific physical symptom of nervousness or anxiety.

i was on edge

Describes a state of heightened nervousness or anxiety, often due to uncertainty.

my stomach churned

Highlights a physical sensation of unease or anxiety, often associated with anticipation or fear.

FAQs

What does "my pulse quickened" mean?

The phrase "my pulse quickened" describes a physical sensation where your heartbeat speeds up, often due to excitement, anxiety, or fear. It indicates a heightened emotional state.

What can I say instead of "my pulse quickened"?

You can use alternatives like "my heart raced", "I felt a thrill", or "my adrenaline surged" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "my pulse quickened" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "my pulse quickened" might be more suitable for creative or narrative writing. In formal contexts, consider more neutral language like "I felt a sense of anticipation".

How does "my pulse quickened" differ from "my heart skipped a beat"?

"My pulse quickened" suggests an increase in heart rate over time, while "my heart skipped a beat" implies a momentary irregularity or surprise. The former is generally less intense than the latter.