utter terror

USAGE SUMMARY

"utter terror" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of intense fear that someone experiences in a particular situation. For example, "When the tornado hit, I felt utter terror as I watched my house being ripped apart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

He was in a state of utter terror and hurt".

The Guardian

Like the Doctor himself I find myself in a state of utter terror and delight.

Independent

I've done five or six solo shows now, and I just spend the entire time in utter terror.

The Guardian - Music

War, it has been famously said, consists of long stetches of excruciating boredom punctuated by brief moments of utter terror.

The New York Times

"Like the Doctor himself, I find myself in a state of utter terror and delight," the 56-year-old said of accepting the part.

Independent

Stay tuned for more from star Eddie Redmayne, who told us about the utter terror of performing in the Tom Hooper movie adaptation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Another motivation for Denny's ministry was his understanding of the life of Christ: "Because of the sacrifice and commitment of Christ, the place of utter despair, terror, pain and evil becomes, 'a road to bring us nearer God'".

The Guardian

He uttered the words "terror," "terrorism" or "terrorist" just five times.

The Washington Post

Despite uttering the words "terror," "terrorist," or "terrorism" 32 times in his September 20 speech to the nation, he never defined terrorism.

Columbia University

The new UN resolution states that the world body acted to "restore peace and stability". But as all major international news organizations have reported, this year Somalia finally experienced its first respite from 16 years of utter lawlessness and terror at the hands of the marauding warlords who drove out UN peacekeepers in 1993, when 18 American soldiers were killed.

The New York Times

In Nigeria there was such utter confusion and terror after the attack on Chibok School that several days later it was still not clear how many girls were missing.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utter terror" to vividly convey a sense of extreme fear, especially in narrative or descriptive writing where emotional impact is important.

Common error

While "utter terror" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced and specific descriptions of fear or anxiety in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utter terror" functions as a noun phrase that describes an intense emotional state. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and usable in written English. It's used to emphasize the extremity of fear experienced.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "utter terror" is a noun phrase used to describe a state of extreme fear. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While common in news and media for its dramatic effect, it should be used judiciously in more formal contexts. Alternatives like "sheer panic" or "extreme dread" may be suitable depending on the context. The phrase functions to evoke a strong emotional response and convey the intensity of fear. Consider the formality of your writing when deciding whether to use "utter terror", opting for more nuanced descriptions in academic or scientific writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unmitigated terror

Replaces "utter" with "unmitigated" which gives a higher sense of severity.

overwhelming fear

Highlights the feeling of being completely consumed by fear.

sheer panic

Replaces "terror" with "panic", suggesting a sudden and overwhelming fear.

extreme dread

Substitutes "terror" with "dread", emphasizing a deep feeling of anxiety and apprehension.

complete horror

Uses "horror" instead of "terror", focusing on a feeling of revulsion and shock.

absolute fright

Replaces "terror" with "fright", indicating a sudden and intense fear.

paralyzing fear

Focuses on the incapacitating effect of the fear.

deep-seated fear

Emphasizes the lasting and profound nature of the fear.

intense apprehension

Uses more formal vocabulary to convey a strong feeling of worry about the future.

profound anxiety

Focuses on the psychological aspect of the fear, highlighting the depth of the anxiety.

FAQs

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

You can use "utter terror" to describe a situation or feeling of extreme fear. For example, "The victim described feeling "utter terror" when confronted by the attacker."

What are some synonyms for "utter terror"?

Alternatives to "utter terror" include "sheer panic", "extreme dread", or "complete horror", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "utter terror" a formal or informal expression?

"Utter terror" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both news reporting and narrative writing, but might be too dramatic for formal academic contexts where more precise language is preferred.

What's the difference between "utter terror" and "slight fear"?

"Utter terror" describes a state of extreme, overwhelming fear, while "slight fear" indicates a mild or minimal level of apprehension. The intensity is vastly different.