sheer panic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sheer panic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an intense and overwhelming feeling of fear or anxiety in a situation. Example: "When the fire alarm went off unexpectedly, there was sheer panic among the crowd as people rushed to the exits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's sheer panic.

The Guardian

The third stage is sheer panic".

The New York Times

The first was that it was sheer panic.

The New Yorker

There was sheer panic at the hotel, Pine said.

The Guardian

There's nothing like sheer panic for producing work.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"There was sheer panic, shock and disbelief [when I was told about the marriage].

Independent

Professor Sophie Scott's stand-up debut inspired "sheer panic," she said.

The New York Times

But taking even this much of a countermeasure kept sheer panic at bay.

The New York Times

She says residents are in "sheer panic" as the ground rent has made their homes unsaleable.

The Guardian - Money

Friday 24 June brought shock, horror and sheer panic to trading floors around the world.

The Guardian - Business

Suddenly, through sheer panic and embarrassment, I started spraying the glass panel in the door.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheer panic" to describe situations where the fear is not only intense but also sudden and overwhelming, affecting a large number of people or influencing immediate actions. For example, "The announcement of the lockdown triggered "sheer panic" among the students".

Common error

Avoid using "sheer panic" to describe mild anxiety or nervousness. This phrase indicates an extreme level of fear. If the situation is less severe, opt for words like "apprehension" or "worry" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer panic" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a state of extreme fear or alarm. As evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig, it is used to depict situations where the intensity of fear is overwhelming and widespread.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sheer panic" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to depict extreme fear and chaos. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to convey a sense of overwhelming alarm, frequently found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's essential to reserve this expression for situations genuinely characterized by intense fear, avoiding its use for milder forms of anxiety. Related phrases like "utter terror" and "absolute fright" offer nuanced alternatives for different contexts. By understanding its proper usage and considering its alternatives, writers can effectively communicate the gravity of a situation involving intense fear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utter terror

Emphasizes the extreme level of fear involved, highlighting its all-encompassing nature.

absolute fright

Focuses on the sudden and intense fear experienced, stressing its completeness.

complete dismay

Highlights the feeling of shock and distress, emphasizing the utter hopelessness.

unmitigated terror

Stresses that the terror is not lessened or reduced in any way, it's pure and absolute.

pure dread

Focuses on a feeling of intense apprehension and anxiety, suggesting a sense of impending doom.

total alarm

Emphasizes the sense of immediate danger and the need for a quick response.

outright fear

Focuses on direct and overt fear, with no ambiguity or reservation.

unadulterated fear

Highlights that the fear is pure and not mixed with any other emotions or factors.

rampant anxiety

Focuses on the widespread and uncontrollable nature of anxiety, suggesting it's pervasive.

utter chaos

Shifts the focus to the disarray and confusion that accompanies the panic, emphasizing the lack of order.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "sheer panic" in a sentence?

Use "sheer panic" to describe situations characterized by intense, widespread fear and chaos. For example: "The sudden earthquake caused "sheer panic" in the city".

What are some alternatives to "sheer panic"?

You can use alternatives like "utter terror", "absolute fright", or "complete dismay" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sheer panic" formal or informal?

"Sheer panic" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, although it is more frequently seen in news reports and descriptive writing. In highly formal or academic writing, you might choose a more restrained expression.

What distinguishes "sheer panic" from simple fear?

"Sheer panic" implies a more intense and often irrational level of fear than simple fear. It suggests a loss of control and a sense of overwhelming danger. Consider using "pure dread" or "unmitigated terror" to further enhance this feeling.