I started to worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started to worry" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation in which the protagonist becomes anxious or apprehensive about something. For example: "When I saw my grades on the midterm report, I started to worry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Now, I started to worry.

The New York Times

But then I started to worry.

The New York Times - Travel

It was then that I started to worry.

The New York Times

Immediately, I started to worry about my children.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then I started to worry that I was being underpaid.

The New York Times - Tech

But I started to worry that she would not like it.

The New Yorker

However, I started to worry about what such a machine could not do.

The New Yorker

I started to worry when my gran made me a cup of tea with dishwasher tablets.

Independent

I started to worry that I had developed some kind of mental illness.

Independent

I started to worry about what my friends would find if they searched my name online.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Then I start to worry a little that there is no door".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. If a stronger emotion is more fitting, alternatives like "I began to fear" or "I became alarmed" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "I started to worry" within close proximity in your writing. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony. Use alternatives like "I grew concerned" or "Doubts began to creep in".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started to worry" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating the commencement of a state of anxiety or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, supported by numerous examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I started to worry" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the beginning of a state of anxiety or concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as in personal narratives. While "I started to worry" is a straightforward expression, varying your language with alternatives like "I began to feel anxious" or "I started to get concerned" can enhance your writing and prevent repetition. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended tone and emotional intensity of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began to feel anxious

Replaces "worry" with "anxious", focusing on the emotional state.

I started to get concerned

Substitutes "worry" with "concerned", indicating a level of care and potential action.

I started to feel uneasy

Replaces "worry" with "uneasy", emphasizing a lack of comfort or security.

I began to have misgivings

Indicates the onset of doubts or hesitations, a more formal alternative.

I started to have doubts

Focuses on the development of uncertainty about a situation or outcome.

I grew apprehensive

A more formal way of saying one became anxious or fearful about something.

I became alarmed

Emphasizes a sudden sense of danger or urgency, stronger than simple worry.

I started to suspect

Shifts the focus to forming a belief based on incomplete evidence, implying potential negative outcomes.

I started to fear

Replaces "worry" with "fear", indicating a stronger emotional response.

I started to agonize

Expresses intense mental suffering or distress, stronger than simple worry.

FAQs

What's a more formal alternative to "I started to worry"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "I grew apprehensive" or "I began to have misgivings", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "I started to worry" in a sentence?

The phrase "I started to worry" typically introduces a cause for concern. For example: "I saw the storm clouds gathering, and "I started to worry" about the outdoor event."

What's the difference between "I started to worry" and "I began to worry"?

The phrases "I started to worry" and "I began to worry" are largely interchangeable and have the same meaning. Both indicate the onset of worry or concern. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

When is it better to use "I started to worry" instead of "I was worried"?

"I started to worry" is best used when you want to emphasize the point at which your concern began. "I was worried" simply states a state of being worried, without necessarily pinpointing when that feeling originated.