Grow worried

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Grow worried" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a gradual increase in concern or anxiety about a situation. Example: "As the deadline approached, I began to grow worried about the project's completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

By February 2005, however, Mr. Urdangarin seemed to grow worried about seeking foundation money from sponsors.

The New York Times

Elderly parents of mentally retarded children grow worried that there will be no one to care for their children, once they die.

The New York Times

He added, "I think there were some real business and strategic issues with the way Travis was taking the company, and the V.C.s and investors in Uber were starting to grow worried about it".

The New Yorker

Holger Schmieding, chief economist at Berenberg Bank in London, wrote Wednesday in a research note that Spain would probably have to seek help as soon as next week because the situation is becoming untenable as deposits flee the country's banks and other governments grow worried about possible contagion.

The New York Times

So now oil prices are high, and they are likely to remain above $25 a barrel until growth slows significantly in an important region of the world -- or until the Saudis grow worried that this country will again get serious about energy conservation and research into alternative energy sources.

The New York Times

He added, "I think there were some real business and strategic issues with the way Travis was taking the company, and the V.C.s and investors in Uber were starting to grow worried about it". If Uber had to begin raising more money, new investors could demand better terms that would have reduced the value of earlier investors' holdings, a scenario the early investors were eager to avoid.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Freeman, 24, grew worried.

The New York Times - Sports

Dworman grew worried.

The New Yorker

He grew worried.

The Guardian

Ms. Perelman grew worried.

The New York Times

I grew worried.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grow worried" to describe a gradual increase in concern or anxiety over time. This suggests a developing sense of unease rather than a sudden onset of fear.

Common error

While "grow worried" is acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "become concerned" or "develop apprehension" in professional or academic writing to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow worried" functions as a linking verb construction, where "grow" connects the subject to the adjective "worried", describing a change in the subject's state of being. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grow worried" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to express a gradual increase in anxiety or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, it's more frequently found in news and general contexts than in formal academic writing. When aiming for precision, consider the subtle differences between "grow worried" and alternatives like "become anxious" or "start to fret" to best convey the intended nuance. Though acceptable in most situations, more formal alternatives might be preferable in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Grow anxious

Similar to "grow worried" but focuses specifically on anxiety.

Start worrying

Directly indicates the beginning of the worrying process.

Become anxious

Emphasizes the onset of anxiety.

Get concerned

Suggests a focus on potential negative outcomes.

Start to fret

Highlights a more agitated form of worry.

Become apprehensive

Highlights the transition into a state of apprehension.

Begin to fear

Indicates a progression towards stronger feelings of apprehension.

Feel uneasy

Suggests a general sense of discomfort and concern.

Develop apprehension

Implies a gradual accumulation of worry.

Get edgy

Implies nervousness or restlessness due to worry.

FAQs

How can I use "grow worried" in a sentence?

You can use "grow worried" to describe a gradual increase in concern. For example, "As the deadline approached, I began to grow worried about the project's completion."

What are some alternatives to "grow worried"?

Some alternatives to "grow worried" include "become anxious", "start to fret", or "get concerned".

Is it grammatically correct to say "grow worried"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Grow" functions as a linking verb, indicating a gradual change of state to being "worried".

When is it appropriate to use "grow worried" vs. "become worried"?

"Grow worried" emphasizes a gradual increase in concern, while "become worried" can imply a more sudden shift in emotional state.