pang of fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pang of fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden, sharp feeling of fear or anxiety that one experiences in a moment of distress or concern. Example: "As she walked alone in the dark alley, a pang of fear gripped her heart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

When he first used one, though, he felt a sharp pang of fear.

The Guardian - Books

She felt a pang of fear, but at second glance the man seemed harmless — not particularly tall or muscular, with gaunt cheeks and bulging eyes.

The New Yorker

Perhaps inspired and struck by a pang of fear from this week's evacuation, they, too, are playing their own game — they must first find the runway's hidden location.

The New York Times

He faced an audience of more than five hundred distinguished legal figures, and as he walked to the lectern he felt a pang of fear.

The New Yorker

Returning to school in May last year was daunting: every time I hear the school bell ring an irrational pang of fear goes through me.

The Guardian

This is why, in that moment when, having read of an attack or the threat of an attack, you experience a sudden pang of fear, you become a victim yourself.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

And even as Bab al-Aziziya fell, many in Tripoli still felt pangs of fear.

The New York Times

"Faintish — paroxyic — jolting — fatiguish pangs of fear," Mark once wrote, describing an asthma attack.

The New Yorker

As publication day draws near, I'm fighting off pangs of fear at feeling so exposed.

Huffington Post

I've recently been doing a lot of body scan meditations, and every time I try to direct attention towards my genital area, I feel visceral pangs of fear in my abdomen — it's enough to make me wonder if I was sexually assaulted before my memory kicked in, or in a past life.

Huffington Post

When people ask me what I do and I say, "model", it's almost always followed by internal pangs of fear – do you understand how awkward it is to declare that your full-time job is "being hot", to a stranger?

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the intensity of the fear you want to convey. "Pang of fear" suggests a brief but noticeable feeling, so it might not be the best choice for describing overwhelming terror.

Common error

Avoid using "pang of fear" when you actually mean a longer-lasting feeling of dread or anxiety. A "pang" is typically fleeting; sustained fear requires different phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pang of fear" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb (e.g., felt a pang of fear). It describes a sudden and sharp sensation of fear, often in response to a specific stimulus or situation. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pang of fear" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that vividly describes a sudden, sharp feeling of fear. Ludwig confirms this, highlighting its prevalence in news and media sources. While relatively uncommon overall, its specific purpose is to convey a brief but intense emotional experience, making it a useful tool for descriptive writing. Remember to consider the intensity and duration of the fear you wish to convey when choosing between "pang of fear" and alternative expressions like "wave of fear" or "jolt of fear". Using "pang of fear" can add emotional depth and realism to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wave of fear

Emphasizes the feeling as an overwhelming sensation, like a surge.

jolt of fear

Highlights the sudden and startling nature of the fear.

rush of fear

Implies a quick onset and perhaps a more temporary experience of fear.

surge of anxiety

Focuses more on the anxious aspect of the feeling, rather than pure fear.

stab of fear

Suggests a sharp, piercing, and often unexpected feeling of fear.

twinge of fear

Indicates a slight and momentary feeling of fear.

moment of dread

Shifts the emphasis to anticipation and apprehension rather than immediate fear.

feeling of unease

Represents a more subtle and general sense of discomfort or apprehension.

sense of foreboding

Highlights the feeling that something bad is about to happen, creating fear through anticipation.

attack of anxiety

Suggests a more intense and prolonged experience of anxiety, rather than a fleeting pang.

FAQs

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

You can use "pang of fear" to describe a sudden, sharp feeling of fear. For example: "As she walked alone in the dark alley, a pang of fear gripped her heart."

What are some alternatives to "pang of fear"?

You can use alternatives like "wave of fear", "jolt of fear", or "rush of fear" depending on the context.

What does "pang of fear" mean?

A "pang of fear" refers to a sudden, sharp feeling of fear or anxiety that one experiences in a moment of distress or concern. It suggests a brief but intense emotion.

Is "pang of terror" similar to "pang of fear"?

Yes, "pang of terror" is similar to "pang of fear", but it implies a more extreme level of fear. While "pang of fear" can describe a general feeling of apprehension, "pang of terror" suggests a more intense and overwhelming emotion.