panicked look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "panicked look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's facial expression that indicates fear or anxiety, often in a sudden or unexpected situation. Example: "When she heard the loud crash, she turned around with a panicked look on her face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

As if on cue, Ms. Dusinberre popped into the room with a panicked look.

The New York Times

I give him a panicked look to say, "No! Don't say anything!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Soon after he entered the game, Thomas looked over to the Syracuse bench with a panicked look on his face.

The New York Times

His colleague shot him a panicked look when everyone got up to leave, still not having mentioned business deals.

The New York Times

He's on his way!" Despite the panicked look on the faces of some Obama aides, the vast majority of people waited.

The New York Times

Just as startling is the transformation of Mr. Grint who, in one early, anxious scene wears a goatee and a panicked look that together suggest a junior Paul Giamatti.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

'Here we call that Ordinary Mountain Sickness.' Desmond wrinkled his nose and looked from face to panicked face.

The Guardian - Travel

They are not particularly elegant ("Ophile, waiting for Paris's ship to come in"), and when they consist of a single word ("Panicked", "Raptured") look poor on a huge page.

The Guardian - Books

The doctor looked at me and noticed my panicked expression.

Huffington Post

This visual split dares the panicked player to look down at a map or inventory while the undead are rushing at his or her character on the television.

The New York Times - Arts

Do too much, and you look panicked and invite blowback from Wall Street, Congress and the press.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "panicked look" to vividly describe a character's immediate reaction to a startling or frightening situation. It's more impactful than simply stating they were scared.

Common error

While "panicked look" is effective, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "anxious expression" or "fearful gaze" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "panicked look" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase, modifying a subject by indicating the presence of panic in their facial expression. Ludwig examples show it describing reactions to startling or stressful events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "panicked look" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a facial expression indicating fear and anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys a character's emotional state in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase is versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "anxious expression" or "fearful gaze" to maintain reader engagement. Overall, "panicked look" is a useful descriptive phrase when portraying immediate reactions to frightening or stressful events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anxious expression

Focuses on general anxiety rather than acute panic.

fearful gaze

Emphasizes the element of fear in the look.

alarmed countenance

More formal and emphasizes sudden alarm.

distressed appearance

Highlights overall distress, which may or may not be purely panic.

frightened visage

A more dramatic and literary way to describe a fearful face.

worried face

Implies concern and worry, a milder form of panic.

agitated demeanor

Focuses on the overall agitated state, not just the facial expression.

nervous aspect

Highlights the nervousness present in the person's appearance.

hysterical expression

Implies a more extreme, uncontrolled panic.

deer in the headlights look

An idiomatic expression indicating shock and helplessness.

FAQs

How can I use "panicked look" in a sentence?

You can use "panicked look" to describe someone's facial expression when they are experiencing sudden fear or anxiety. For example, "She had a panicked look when she realized she was lost."

What can I say instead of "panicked look"?

You can use alternatives like "anxious expression", "fearful gaze", or "alarmed countenance" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "panicked look" in formal writing?

Yes, "panicked look" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, particularly when describing a character's emotional state in a narrative or report.

What's the difference between "panicked look" and "scared look"?

"Panicked look" suggests a more intense and sudden onset of fear compared to a general "scared look". Panic implies a loss of control or heightened anxiety, while scared is a broader term.