I was very concerned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was very concerned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing worry or anxiety about a situation or someone's well-being in the past. Example: "When I heard about the accident, I was very concerned for the victims and their families."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I was very concerned about their safety.

The New York Times

I was very concerned about the whole technology issue.

The New York Times

"I was very concerned about him," Driver, a receiver, said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was very concerned: how did he research this part.

The New York Times

"I was very concerned for the safety of the airfield".

The Guardian

"I was very concerned about showing that there are echoes".

The New York Times

"I was very concerned about the advice she was getting from various chiropractors," he said.

Independent

"I was very concerned about the impact that the film would have on Nathaniel," he said.

The New York Times

But when I realised the hazards this technology entails I was very concerned.

The Guardian

I was very concerned about the weather but when the wind dropped it proved just possible".

The Guardian - Sport

"I was very concerned, whether or not he would get a chance to play at this level," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was very concerned", provide specific details about the cause of your concern to add clarity and context to your statement.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "I was very concerned" without explaining why. Always provide the reason for your concern to make your statement more impactful and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was very concerned" functions as a declarative statement expressing a past feeling of worry or apprehension. As shown by Ludwig, it directly conveys the speaker's emotional state regarding a particular situation or person.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was very concerned" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express past feelings of worry or anxiety. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's frequently found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide specific details about the cause of your concern to enhance clarity. Alternatives like "I felt deeply worried" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Avoid overusing "very" without providing adequate context. By understanding these aspects, you can effectively use "I was very concerned" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I felt deeply worried

Emphasizes the intensity of the worry felt.

I had serious reservations

Indicates unease or doubt about something.

I experienced considerable anxiety

Highlights the anxious feelings experienced.

I was extremely apprehensive

Focuses on a feeling of dread or fear about a future event.

I found it quite alarming

Indicates that something caused significant worry or fear.

It caused me great unease

Highlights the discomfort and anxiety experienced.

I was quite disturbed

Focuses on emotional upset and worry.

I felt a strong sense of foreboding

Emphasizes a feeling that something bad is going to happen.

I was deeply troubled

Highlights the state of being worried and disturbed.

I was filled with misgivings

Indicates feelings of doubt or apprehension about the outcome.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "I was very concerned"?

You can use alternatives like "I felt deeply worried", "I had serious reservations", or "I experienced considerable anxiety" depending on the context.

How can I use "I was very concerned" in a sentence?

You can use "I was very concerned" to express worry or anxiety about a past event or situation, such as, "I was very concerned about the potential impact of the new policy."

Is it appropriate to use "I was very concerned" in formal writing?

Yes, "I was very concerned" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when expressing your thoughts or feelings about a specific issue or situation. However, consider alternatives like "I had serious reservations" for a more nuanced tone.

What is the difference between "I was concerned" and "I was very concerned"?

The addition of "very" in "I was very concerned" intensifies the feeling of concern. While "I was concerned" expresses a mild worry, "I was very concerned" indicates a higher level of worry or anxiety.