utter panic

USAGE SUMMARY

"utter panic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize how chaotic and extreme a situation might be. For example, "The sudden sound of thunder sent the crowd into utter panic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"That gave way to utter panic.

The New Yorker

"He is in full and utter panic," Mr. Gottlieb argued.

The New York Times

But I was left in a state of utter panic.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It was the middle of the night," he said, "so you can imagine the state I was in, utter panic, craziness.

The New York Times - Travel

The company has given him a generous severance deal -- he would not give details -- which has staved off "utter panic," he said.

The New York Times

But the headmaster and teachers described a scene of utter panic as pupils shrieked and scrambled under their desks under a thick cloud of dust.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

I'm all-to familiar with that feeling of despair and anxiety, of sheer and utter pain and panic, that it really hit home for me, as I know it does for others.

Forbes

Part of the problem was how much I was afraid of going to hell, and the prayers were uttered in panic, superstitiously slipping it in here and there to be sure the magic worked.

Huffington Post

Totally unprepared for the utter sense of panic in the people I met there.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Nakhala family, which lives next to the compound, was inspecting the damage on Tuesday morning and recounting the utter fear and panic they all felt as the missiles hit.

The New York Times

The reaction, at first, was one of panic and utter confusion as American citizens turned on their televisions, computers and mobile devices.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utter panic" to vividly describe situations where fear and chaos are overwhelming. This phrase is effective in conveying the intensity of a moment, especially in narrative or descriptive writing.

Common error

Avoid using "utter panic" to describe minor inconveniences or mild anxiety. This phrase is best reserved for situations involving genuine and extreme fear or chaos to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utter panic" functions as a noun phrase, where "utter" intensifies the noun "panic". It describes a state of extreme fear and chaos, and Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "utter panic" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe situations of extreme fear and chaos. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news reporting and descriptive writing. While generally neutral, the formality can increase slightly with the use of "utter". When using the phrase, remember to reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong descriptor to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "sheer terror" or "complete chaos" to fine-tune the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncontrolled fear

Directly describes the lack of regulation over one's fear response.

sheer terror

Emphasizes the intensity of fear, focusing on the emotional experience.

outright hysteria

Emphasizes the overt and unrestrained nature of the hysterical reaction.

complete chaos

Shifts the focus from emotional state to the disarray of the situation.

extreme anxiety

Highlights the high level of worry and unease.

absolute frenzy

Highlights the uncontrolled and agitated behavior resulting from panic.

intense dread

Emphasizes a feeling of great apprehension or fear about a future event.

total alarm

Focuses on the signal of danger and the resulting state of alert.

wild hysteria

Suggests an uncontrollable emotional outburst, often in a group.

absolute pandemonium

Implies a scene of wild and noisy disorder or confusion.

FAQs

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

To effectively use "utter panic", ensure the context involves extreme fear or chaos. For example, "The sudden earthquake sent the city into "utter panic"."

What are some alternatives to "utter panic" that I can use?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, consider alternatives like "sheer terror", "complete chaos", or "absolute frenzy".

Is "utter panic" formal or informal?

"Utter panic" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's generally more impactful in descriptive or narrative writing regardless of the setting.

What distinguishes "utter panic" from "extreme fear"?

"Utter panic" suggests not only intense fear but also a loss of control and order, while "extreme fear" focuses primarily on the intensity of the fear itself. "Utter panic" implies a more chaotic and widespread reaction.