sense of panic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of panic" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe the feeling someone experiences when they are in a state of fear or anxiety. For example, the students had a sense of panic as they waited to hear their exam results.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was no outward sense of panic.

The New York Times - Sports

I fought a momentary sense of panic.

The New Yorker

There's no sense of panic.

The New York Times

I remember a rising sense of panic.

The Guardian

The sense of panic has subsided.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is – momentarily – a sense of panic.

The Guardian - Film

A sense of panic engenders hasty judgments.

The Guardian

Yet there has been no sense of panic.

The New York Times

You grow dizzy; a sense of panic seizes the table.

The New York Times - Food

As realization set in, so did a sense of panic.

The New Yorker

Shouts and cries underscored the sense of panic.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sense of panic" to vividly depict a character's or group's reaction to sudden, overwhelming stress or fear, adding depth and realism to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of panic" to describe mild anxiety or nervousness; reserve it for scenarios involving intense fear, threat, or chaos to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of panic" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a verb. It describes a feeling or emotional state. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sense of panic" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that effectively communicates a state of extreme anxiety or fear. As confirmed by Ludwig, its versatility makes it appropriate for various contexts, although it's most prevalent in news and media. When writing, use this phrase to create vivid depictions of intense emotional responses, but avoid overusing it in situations that only warrant mild concern. Consider alternatives like "feeling of dread" or "rising alarm" for nuanced descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wave of anxiety

Emphasizes the sudden and overwhelming nature of anxiety.

surge of fear

Emphasizes the sudden and powerful onset of fear.

feeling of dread

Focuses more on fear and apprehension about the future.

growing apprehension

Suggests a gradual increase in anxiety about something specific.

moment of terror

Highlights a brief but intense experience of fear.

rising alarm

Suggests a gradual increase in concern and fear.

state of agitation

Focuses on restlessness and heightened emotional arousal.

outbreak of fear

Implies a sudden and widespread incidence of fear.

atmosphere of crisis

Highlights the overall environment of instability and potential danger.

climate of unease

Describes a more subtle but pervasive feeling of anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "sense of panic" in a sentence?

You can use "sense of panic" to describe a feeling of extreme anxiety or fear. For example, "A "sense of panic" washed over her as the building's alarm blared".

What's a good alternative to "sense of panic"?

Alternatives include "feeling of dread", "wave of anxiety", or "rising alarm", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "sense of panic" in writing?

Use "sense of panic" when describing intense fear or anxiety, especially in situations involving danger, chaos, or overwhelming stress. It's not suitable for mild nervousness or apprehension.

Is "sense of panic" formal or informal?

"Sense of panic" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and the specific situation being described.