terror gripped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terror gripped" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where fear or panic has taken hold of individuals or a group, often in response to a frightening event or circumstance. Example: "As the news of the attack spread, terror gripped the city, leaving residents in a state of shock and disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It was 3.30am when the cold terror gripped.

The Guardian

Terror gripped the rescued children as a Unicef aid worker raised the alarm.

Independent

David frankly admitted his terror, gripped by claustrophobia, yet provided an entertaining and moving commentary on the 13-hour procedure: "The helmet was rather like being pinned down to the table like an ant by a massive thumb … When it was all over and I was unbolted by Brad [the surgeon] and wheeled away, I found myself weeping.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Terror grips the household of a shopkeeper named Aamir Anwar when two masked gunmen burst into the family's modest home clamoring for "Bob," a name that means nothing to anyone.

The New York Times - Books

The terror gripping broadcast television as viewers continue to run away — 8.6 million to "Duck Dynasty , 13.1 million to "The Bible," who knows how many to "House of Cards" — has meant boom times for TV's most ephemeral product: the network pilot.

The New York Times - Arts

Terror grips me.

Huffington Post

As soon as the word enters his mind, terror grips him.

The New Yorker

It was the secret terror that gripped astronaut Michael Collins throughout the Apollo 11 project 40 years ago.

The Guardian

It was hard to see how elections could be held freely and fairly in the atmosphere of state terror that gripped Honduras, but the Micheletti regime is determined.

The New Yorker

The civil rights movement can only be properly understood in the context of the reign of terror that gripped black Southerners.

The New York Times

The worldwide factory revival is no momentary event, argues Robert J. Barbera, chief economist at the research and trading firm ITG, but rather the return to everyday business after an overreaction to the terror that gripped financial markets in the fall of 2008.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terror gripped" to create a vivid and immediate sense of fear taking over a person or group.

Common error

Avoid using "terror gripped" in situations that evoke only mild anxiety; reserve it for truly frightening or horrifying scenarios.

Linguistic Context

"Terror gripped" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically acting as a verb phrase within a sentence. It vividly portrays the sudden and intense onset of fear, often in response to a specific event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage in various examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terror gripped" is a phrase used to describe the sudden and intense onset of fear. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and primarily found in news and media contexts. It serves to evoke a strong emotional response, portraying a situation where fear takes hold. While versatile, its use is best reserved for scenarios where the level of fear is genuinely significant. Alternative phrases like "fear seized" or "panic engulfed" may be suitable depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fear took hold

A more literal replacement, focusing on the establishment of fear in a situation.

terror prevailed

Uses prevailed, suggesting a lasting and pervasive sense of terror

fear seized

Replaces "terror" with "fear" and "gripped" with "seized", focusing on the feeling of fear taking over.

dread took hold

A more literal replacement, focusing on the establishment of dread in a situation.

panic engulfed

Shifts the focus to the widespread nature of the fear, using "panic" instead of "terror" and "engulfed" to emphasize its all-encompassing effect.

horror took hold

A more literal replacement, focusing on the establishment of horror in a situation.

dread consumed

Emphasizes the overwhelming nature of fear, using "dread" and "consumed" to highlight its intensity.

panic took hold

A more literal replacement, focusing on the establishment of panic in a situation.

horror prevailed

Focuses on the dominance of horror in a situation, suggesting a lasting and pervasive sense of fear.

alarm spread

Highlights the rapid dissemination of fear, using "alarm" and "spread" to convey how quickly it takes hold.

FAQs

How can I use "terror gripped" in a sentence?

You can use "terror gripped" to describe a sudden and intense feeling of fear. For example, "As the storm raged, "terror gripped" the small coastal town".

What can I say instead of "terror gripped"?

You can use alternatives like "fear seized", "panic engulfed", or "dread consumed" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "terror gripped" in formal writing?

Yes, "terror gripped" can be used in formal writing, especially when describing intense fear in a narrative or descriptive context. However, consider the overall tone and audience to ensure it fits appropriately.

What's the difference between "terror gripped" and "fear gripped"?

While similar, "terror" implies a more extreme and overwhelming sense of fear than simply "fear". "Terror gripped" suggests a paralyzing dread, while "fear gripped" can describe a more general state of anxiety.