sense of emergency

USAGE SUMMARY

"sense of emergency" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to an urgent feeling or situation that requires immediate or prompt attention. For example, "We have to act quickly to respond to this crisis, as there is a strong sense of emergency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

feel a sense of emergency.

The New Yorker

A sense of emergency is what is urgently needed.

The New York Times

But even as the sense of emergency fades, Europe is potentially facing a starker problem.

The New York Times

So far, Lebanon's delicate balance has persevered, but there is a growing sense of emergency.

The New York Times

In Tehran in recent weeks there has been little sense of emergency.

Independent

"There will be a renewed sense of emergency, which doesn't make for clearer thinking".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

"Multiply that across Italy, and you get a sense of the emergency," she said.

The New York Times

An overriding sense of worldly emergency can vindicate the sacrifice, but I feel little such urgency in this show.

The New Yorker

Radiation Nation tells the story of what happened that day and in the months and years that followed, as local residents tried to make sense of the emergency.

Columbia University

Given the widespread sense of national emergency, David Axelrod said, "I don't know that Republicans can afford to take a laissez-faire kind of approach.

The New Yorker

But leading lawmakers of both parties made it clear that no sense of national emergency warranted such a broad abrogation of government's basic principles.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "sense of emergency" to convey the need for immediate action in response to a critical situation. It's effective in settings where quick decision-making is paramount.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of emergency" when you only need to convey a general need for speed or efficiency. Reserve it for situations involving genuine risk or imminent negative consequences. A "sense of urgency" is more appropriate when the stakes are lower.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of emergency" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a perceived state requiring immediate action, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples of it being used to convey urgency in critical situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

19%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of emergency" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey the urgent need for action in a critical situation. As Ludwig's analysis confirms, it's frequently found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, signaling an impending threat that requires immediate attention. While "sense of emergency" is generally neutral in tone, it is important to differentiate it from similar terms like "sense of urgency", which doesn't necessarily imply immediate danger. When using "sense of emergency", ensure that the situation genuinely warrants a heightened state of alert to maintain clarity and impact in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of emergency

Focuses on the emotional experience rather than the intellectual recognition of a crisis.

perception of emergency

Emphasizes how a situation is interpreted or understood as critical.

sense of urgency

Highlights the need for prompt action without necessarily implying danger or crisis.

feeling of crisis

Shifts the focus to the emotional response to a critical situation, often implying distress or anxiety.

awareness of crisis

Indicates a cognitive understanding of a dangerous situation, but may lack the emotional urgency.

state of alert

Refers to a condition of heightened readiness or vigilance, often in anticipation of potential threats.

alarm

Conveys a feeling of fear or anxiety triggered by the recognition of imminent danger.

crisis mentality

Describes a mindset or behavioral pattern characterized by a constant perception of critical situations.

urgent situation

Emphasizes the critical nature of a circumstance that demands immediate attention.

critical juncture

Highlights a decisive point in time requiring careful consideration and action to avoid negative outcomes.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "sense of emergency" in a sentence?

Use "sense of emergency" to describe situations that require immediate attention due to potential danger or critical consequences. For instance, "The approaching hurricane created a strong sense of emergency along the coast."

What's the difference between "sense of emergency" and "sense of urgency"?

"Sense of emergency" implies a critical situation demanding immediate action to prevent harm, while "sense of urgency" suggests a need for quick action without necessarily implying immediate danger. Emergency involves risk; urgency involves efficiency.

What are some alternatives to using "sense of emergency"?

You can use alternatives like "feeling of emergency", "perception of emergency", or "state of alert" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "sense of emergency" in a business context?

Yes, it's appropriate when describing situations that pose a significant threat to the company's operations or reputation. For example, "The data breach created a sense of emergency within the IT department."