Meaning & use
in a panic
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
feeling sudden strong fear or worry that makes you act quickly and without thinking clearly
Grammar: Used as an adverbial or adjectival phrase after linking verbs like 'be' or 'get'.
Patterns
- be in a panic
- get in a panic
- do something in a panic
When she couldn't find her passport, she was in a panic.
He left the house in a panic, forgetting his keys.
phrasefixed phrase
in a state of urgent, chaotic activity because of a problem or deadline
Grammar: Often used to describe a group or situation, not just a person.
Patterns
- be in a panic about something
- the office was in a panic
The whole team was in a panic trying to finish the project on time.
There was a panic in the stock market after the news.
Common combinations
- in a panic
- She called me in a panic because she had lost her wallet.
- get in a panic
- Don't get in a panic; we still have plenty of time.
- leave in a panic
- The guests left in a panic when the fire alarm went off.
- be in a panic about
- He was in a panic about the exam results.
Synonyms and how they differ
- panicked
- An adjective describing the person; 'in a panic' is a phrase that describes the state.
- hysterical
- Stronger and often implies loss of control; 'in a panic' can be milder and more temporary.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: in a panic or in panic?
in a panic vs in panic
Less common and usually means 'in a state of panic' without the article; 'in a panic' is the standard phrase.
Practice
Fill in the blank: She was ___ when she realized she had missed the last train.
Choose one answer.
The fixed phrase is 'in a panic', with the article 'a'. The other prepositions or the missing article are not used in this expression.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “in a panic”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.