pang of terror

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pang of terror" 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 terror gripped her heart, making her quicken her pace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A pang of terror knifed through her; she reached for her husband's hand.

The New York Times

Simran remembers exactly how she felt when the text flashed up on her phone: the short pang of terror that washed over her body, the sickness rising in her stomach.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But for anyone who ever suffers periodic pangs of terror from the unnatural act of strapping razor-edged boards to their boots and attempting a graceful dance with gravity down a steep, snowy slope, it's a nice diversion.

The New York Times - Travel

I was & have been -- & still have terrible pangs of terror when I feel that my career, work, veneer of accomplishments would be taken away (by HUAC, or by critics) that I panicked & crumbled & returned to that primitive state of terror -- the facade of Jerry Robbins would be cracked open, and behind everyone would finally see Jerome Wilson Rabinowitz".

The New York Times - Books

Variety of pace and tone, insightful humor, insupportable suspense, adolescent love pangs and disappointments, sexual curiosity, moments of terror, moments of elation, flights of idealism and prayer and psychological acumen — all these elements of mind and feeling and skill brilliantly enliven its pages.

The New Yorker

It was really not necessary to shelter her; yet I felt a searing pang of guilt when I saw her terror.

Huffington Post

"A kind of terror.

The New Yorker

Theirs are tears of terror.

The New York Times

DENIAL A Memoir of Terror.

The New York Times - Books

(No melodramatic shrieks of terror here).

The New York Times - Books

"The war on terror has become a war of terror".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pang of terror" to vividly describe a sudden, sharp feeling of fear, especially in narrative or descriptive writing where emotional impact is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "pang of terror" in formal or academic writing where a more neutral or clinical term like "anxiety" or "fear" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pang of terror" functions as a noun phrase that describes a sudden, sharp feeling of intense fear. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is indeed usable in written English and effectively communicates a specific emotional experience.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pang of terror" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe a sudden, sharp feeling of intense fear. Ludwig AI confirms this, and the phrase is primarily found in news and media contexts. While not extremely common, its usage is effective for conveying vivid emotional experiences in descriptive writing. Alternatives like "jolt of fear" or "surge of dread" can be used for similar effect. Avoid overusing it in overly formal or academic settings where simpler terms may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acute terror

Focuses on the intensity and sharpness of the feeling of terror.

stab of fear

Replaces "pang" with "stab", maintaining the sharp, sudden sensation of fear.

jolt of fear

Replaces "pang" with "jolt", emphasizing the suddenness of the fear.

fleeting terror

Highlights the brief and transient nature of the terror.

visceral fear

Emphasizes the instinctive and bodily nature of the fear.

wave of panic

Shifts the focus to "panic" rather than "terror", suggesting a broader sense of anxiety.

surge of dread

Substitutes "terror" with "dread", indicating a more lingering sense of foreboding.

moment of horror

Substitutes "terror" with "horror", suggesting a more intense and shocking experience.

rush of anxiety

Replaces "terror" with "anxiety", focusing on worry and unease.

fit of fright

Uses "fit" to describe a sudden and intense experience of "fright".

FAQs

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

You can use "pang of terror" to describe a sudden, sharp feeling of fear. For example: "A "pang of terror" shot through her when she heard the strange noise."

What's a good alternative to "pang of terror"?

Alternatives include "jolt of fear", "surge of dread", or "wave of panic", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "pang of terror" a formal expression?

"Pang of terror" is generally suitable for descriptive or narrative writing. In more formal or academic contexts, using terms like "anxiety" or "fear" may be more appropriate.

What does "pang of terror" imply?

"Pang of terror" implies a sudden, sharp, and often unexpected feeling of intense fear. It suggests a visceral reaction to a perceived threat or danger.