shrieks of terror

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shrieks of terror" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe loud, high-pitched cries that express extreme fear or panic, often in a dramatic or narrative context. Example: "As the haunted house tour progressed, the shrieks of terror from the visitors echoed through the dark corridors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

(No melodramatic shrieks of terror here).

The New York Times - Books

Method actors, for instance, can produce radiant smiles by force of imagination, just as they produce hot tears, shrieks of terror, gusts of indignation, and blasts of rage.

The New Yorker

Their ups and downs are as predetermined as their shrieks of terror and sighs of relief, and the audience goes along for the ride.

The New York Times

Shrieks of terror rain down from the teetering tower of the nearby Skyraker ride, while more screams come from dangling chairs, whirling from a carousel above a bucolic backdrop of rolling fields.

The Guardian - Arts

For those who cannot understand Sandra Bland's shrieks of terror and her attempts to resist miss the point.

Huffington Post

Social media was filled with digital shrieks of terror about our impending doom from these parkour practising automatons.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

As a result, much of this brief memoir reads like a sustained shriek of terror and need, stifled only by more food.

The New Yorker

Given a star of dash and command and a director who can evoke the screams, laughs, enjoyable hysteria, ecstatic shrieks of pure terror, the fun and the foolery -- all words and phrases lifted from critic's blurbs touting the original production -- "Deathtrap" could hold as an archaic representation of a truly endangered genre.

The New York Times

It will even record the driver's in-cabin shrieks of excitement — or terror.

Los Angeles Times

On new songs like "Hittite Man", "Kinder of Spine" and "No Respects Rev", he's a vocalist singing beyond words, spewing an unsettling stream of cries, shrieks and moans, infant-like whimpers of terror, and cackling, multi-tracked laughter.

Independent

"The playground, filled with a swarm of shrieking, violent children, was a place of terror to me".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shrieks of terror" to vividly depict scenes of horror or intense fear in your writing. The phrase evokes a strong auditory image and heightens the emotional impact on the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "shrieks of terror" to describe mild surprise or common fears. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios involving extreme peril or horror to maintain its dramatic effect and avoid sounding hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shrieks of terror" functions as a noun phrase that vividly describes the sounds expressing intense fear. Ludwig AI examples show its use in both literal and figurative contexts to evoke strong emotional responses.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Arts

17%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shrieks of terror" effectively conveys intense fear, primarily used in descriptive and narrative contexts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for evoking strong emotional responses. While common in news, media, and arts, it's essential to reserve it for situations of genuine peril to maintain its dramatic impact. Consider using alternatives like "screams of terror" or "cries of terror" depending on the desired level of intensity. Understanding its function, register, and common errors will help writers use the phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

screams of terror

Replaces "shrieks" with "screams", indicating loud, piercing cries of fear, maintaining the same intensity and emotional impact.

cries of terror

Substitutes "shrieks" with "cries", suggesting a more general expression of fear that may not necessarily be as high-pitched or intense.

yells of terror

Substitutes "shrieks" with "yells", indicating loud, emphatic shouts expressing intense fear, slightly altering the tone and urgency.

gasps of terror

Replaces "shrieks" with "gasps", focusing on the sound of labored breathing due to extreme fear, shifting the emphasis from vocalization to physical reaction.

outbursts of terror

Replaces "shrieks" with "outbursts", focusing on sudden, uncontrolled expressions of fear, changing the emphasis from sound to a more general emotional display.

sounds of terror

Broadens the phrase to encompass any sound associated with terror, not just vocal expressions, thus including a wider range of auditory experiences.

expressions of terror

Shifts the focus from auditory to a broader range of ways terror can be manifested, including facial expressions, body language, and vocalizations.

signs of terror

Replaces the emphasis on sounds with visible or otherwise detectable indications of extreme fear, broadening the scope of expression.

moments of terror

Focuses on the temporal aspect, highlighting the experience of fear rather than its vocal expression, thereby altering the context significantly.

feelings of terror

Shifts the focus to the internal emotional experience rather than the external manifestation, significantly changing the emphasis from observable actions to subjective states.

FAQs

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

You can use "shrieks of terror" to describe a scene where people are experiencing extreme fear. For example: "As the haunted house tour progressed, "shrieks of terror" echoed through the corridors."

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

Alternatives include "screams of terror", which is very similar, or "cries of terror", which is slightly less intense.

Is "shrieks of terror" formal or informal?

"Shrieks of terror" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, depending on the context. It's often used in descriptive or narrative contexts rather than technical or academic writing.

What kind of scenarios is "shrieks of terror" best suited for?

This phrase is most appropriate for describing situations involving intense fear, horror, or panic. It's commonly used in fictional narratives, news reports about traumatic events, or historical accounts of terrifying experiences.