What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
panicking
Example
She started panicking when she realized she had lost her phone. [panicking: verb]
Example
The crowd began panicking when they heard the loud explosion. [panicking: present participle]
frightened
Example
I was frightened by the sound of thunder. [frightened: past tense]
Example
The child looked frightened when he saw the big dog. [frightened: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Frightened is more commonly used than panicking in everyday language. Frightened is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while panicking is a more specific term that is typically used to describe a sudden and overwhelming feeling of fear or anxiety.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between panicking and frightened?
Both panicking and frightened are informal words that are typically used in casual conversation. However, frightened can be used in more formal contexts, while panicking is generally considered too informal for formal writing or speech.
