I was anxious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was anxious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express feelings of worry or unease about a situation in the past. Example: "I was anxious about the upcoming exam, fearing I might not perform well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Of course I was anxious".

The New York Times

I was anxious and didn't sleep.

Independent

I was anxious to go on.

The Guardian - Film

The next day, I was anxious, and then inevitably, impressed".

The New York Times

"I was anxious about it before I took it.

The New York Times

"But I was anxious about the gold medal.

The New York Times - Sports

For example: "I was anxious to see my friends".

Independent

"I was anxious to hear about her," she said.

The New York Times - Tech

That's why I was anxious to get involved in banking.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was anxious and excited, but not too nervous".

The New York Times - Sports

I said I was anxious to speak with him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was anxious", clearly state the reason for your anxiety to provide context and make your writing more impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "anxious" when you mean "eager". "Anxious" implies worry or unease, while "eager" expresses enthusiasm and anticipation. For example, say "I was eager to start the project" not "I was anxious to start the project" if you mean you were excited about it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was anxious" functions as a statement of feeling or emotion in the past tense. As evidenced by Ludwig, it typically describes a state of worry, unease, or nervousness experienced by the speaker.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was anxious" is a common and grammatically sound way to express feelings of worry, unease, or nervousness in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently used in news media and various other contexts. However, it's important to differentiate it from "eager", which expresses excitement. Using more specific synonyms like "worried", "apprehensive", or "uneasy" can also add precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was worried

Directly expresses a state of worry.

I was apprehensive

Emphasizes a feeling of dread or foreboding about something in the future.

I felt nervous

Focuses on a state of heightened excitement or agitation.

I felt uneasy

Focuses on a general feeling of discomfort or unease.

I felt concerned

Highlights worry or interest about a specific situation or person.

I had trepidation

Indicates a feeling of fear or anxiety about something that may happen.

I was on edge

Suggests a state of being easily startled or upset.

I felt stressed

Indicates experiencing pressure or strain.

I was agitated

Describes a state of being disturbed or upset.

I was in suspense

Highlights a state of uncertainty and anticipation.

FAQs

What's the difference between "I was anxious" and "I was nervous"?

"I was anxious" generally implies a deeper state of worry or unease, while "I was nervous" often refers to a more temporary state of agitation or excitement before a specific event.

What can I say instead of "I was anxious"?

You can use alternatives like "I was worried", "I was apprehensive", or "I felt uneasy" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "I was anxious" in a sentence?

Use "I was anxious" to describe a state of worry or unease about a past situation. For example, "I was anxious about the job interview because I really needed the position."

Is it correct to say "I was anxious to do something"?

While it's grammatically correct, using "anxious to" might be confused with "eager to." To avoid ambiguity, specify the reason for your anxiety or choose a more precise word like "I was eager" or "I was keen" if excitement is the intended meaning.