pang of fright

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pang of fright" 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. Example: "As she walked through the dark alley, a pang of fright gripped her heart when she heard footsteps behind her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Uhl feels the occasional pang of fright, but not guilt.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

When I am dying of fright.

The Guardian - Music

Duchenne called the platysma "the muscle of fright".

The New Yorker

Second, we have a serious shortage of fright.

The New Yorker

Dizzy, I fall off the terrible cliff of fear down into the abysmal forest of fright.

The New York Times

A bit of fright set in then.

BBC

Mulder finds him dead of fright.

Wikipedia

Anyone who has a series of fright wigs?

Vice

At the center of Fright Catalog--between a page reading "AN EPIPHANIC/ VOMITING/ OF BLOOD" and "I HOPE YOU FAIL/ MISERABLY/ & NEVER ACCOMPLISH/ ANYTHING/ EVER AGAIN --is nestled a chapbook entitled Fright Analog.

Huffington Post

I reacted immediately with a sense of fright, what have I done?

BMC Medical Education

I immediately felt a pang of anxiety.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pang of fright" to describe a sudden, sharp feeling of fear or anxiety that is brief but noticeable. It's particularly effective when conveying a character's internal experience or a moment of heightened tension in a narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "pang of fright" to describe situations of prolonged or extreme terror. The word "pang" suggests a brief, sharp feeling, not a sustained state of fear. More appropriate terms for intense fear include "terror", "horror", or "dread".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pang of fright" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a specific type of emotional experience. As Ludwig AI explains, it denotes a sudden, sharp feeling of fear or anxiety.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pang of fright" is a noun phrase used to describe a sudden, sharp feeling of fear or anxiety. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in News & Media contexts. While it effectively conveys a moment of immediate fear, it's important to avoid using it to describe prolonged periods of intense terror. Alternatives like "sudden fear" or "jolt of fear" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sudden fear

Emphasizes the abruptness of the fear, omitting the nuanced feeling of a 'pang'.

jolt of fear

Focuses on the sharp, startling aspect of the fear, similar to a physical shock.

wave of terror

Highlights the overwhelming nature of the fear, suggesting a more intense experience.

stab of terror

Implies a sudden, sharp and intense feeling of terror.

surge of alarm

Conveys a sense of immediate concern and apprehension.

flush of anxiety

Indicates a sudden onset of worry and unease.

moment of panic

Highlights the brief but intense experience of panic.

rush of dread

Focuses on the anticipation and fear of something unpleasant.

quick scare

Refers to a brief and often minor experience of fright.

fleeting fear

Emphasizes the short duration of the fearful feeling.

FAQs

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

You can use "pang of fright" to describe a sudden, sharp feeling of fear or anxiety. For example: "As she walked through the dark alley, a "pang of fright" gripped her heart when she heard footsteps behind her."

What are some alternatives to "pang of fright"?

You can use alternatives like "sudden fear", "wave of terror", or "jolt of fear" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "pang of fright" the same as "sense of fear"?

"Pang of fright" implies a more acute and sudden experience compared to a general "sense of fear". A sense of fear can be a lingering feeling, while a "pang of fright" is a sharp, immediate reaction.

What kind of situations are best described with "pang of fright"?

"Pang of fright" is best used in situations where there is a sudden, unexpected scare or a moment of intense, albeit brief, anxiety. It's less suitable for describing prolonged periods of fear or dread.