Feel nervous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Feel nervous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a state of anxiety or apprehension about a situation or event. Example: "Before giving her speech, she began to feel nervous about speaking in front of such a large audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Feel nervous".

The New Yorker

Feel nervous about having legal and financial responsibilities for others?

The New York Times

"I do feel nervous".

The New York Times

I feel nervous tonight.

The New Yorker

I feel nervous.

The Guardian - Travel

"I'll feel nervous, probably.

The New York Times

"I did feel nervous.

The Guardian - Music

"You feel nervous.

The New York Times

You feel nervous, obviously.

The Guardian - Sport

I suddenly feel nervous.

The Guardian

I didn't feel nervous anymore".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel nervous" to describe a transient state of anxiety related to a specific situation or event. It's best when the cause of the nervousness is clear or implied.

Common error

In formal or professional contexts, avoid overusing "feel nervous". Opt for more precise terms like "experience anxiety" or "apprehensive" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Feel nervous" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of emotion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe the subjective experience of nervousness. Examples show it used both in personal contexts ("I feel nervous") and to describe others' states ("You feel nervous").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

17%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic sources

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Feel nervous" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a state of anxiety or apprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, as well as in wikis, and generally maintains a neutral register. When writing, consider the specific context and choose more precise alternatives like "experience anxiety" or "be apprehensive" for more formal settings. Be mindful of overusing it in professional writing to maintain a polished tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be anxious

A general term for feeling worried or uneasy.

Feel uneasy

Expresses a lack of comfort or peace of mind.

Experience anxiety

Focuses on the psychological experience of anxiety rather than the physical sensation.

Feel worried

Highlights the mental aspect of concern and unease.

Be apprehensive

Highlights a feeling of worry about possible future events.

Feel stressed

Describes a state of mental or emotional strain.

Be on edge

Describes a state of heightened alertness and tension.

Feel insecure

Focuses on a lack of confidence and resulting anxiety.

Have butterflies in your stomach

An idiomatic expression for feeling nervous, especially before a performance or event.

Be jittery

Implies physical restlessness due to nervousness.

FAQs

How can I use "feel nervous" in a sentence?

You can use "feel nervous" to describe a state of anxiety or apprehension. For example, "Before giving her speech, she began to feel nervous about speaking in front of such a large audience."

What can I say instead of "feel nervous"?

You can use alternatives like "experience anxiety", "be anxious", or "be apprehensive" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "feel nervous" or "feeling nervous"?

Both "feel nervous" and "feeling nervous" are grammatically correct. "Feel nervous" describes a general state, while "feeling nervous" emphasizes the ongoing experience of nervousness. For example, "I feel nervous before exams" vs. "I am feeling nervous about the upcoming presentation."

What's the difference between "feel nervous" and "feel anxious"?

While both convey unease, "feel nervous" often relates to a specific event or situation, while "feel anxious" can indicate a more generalized state of worry. You might "feel nervous" before a job interview, but "feel anxious" about your overall career prospects.