I worried about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I worried about" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a common expression that is used to convey that someone is concerned or anxious about something. It can be used in various contexts, such as expressing personal worries, concerns for others, or concerns about a situation. Example: "I worried about my performance in the interview all night." In this sentence, the speaker is expressing their personal worry about how they did in the interview.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I worried about them.

The New Yorker

I worried about dehydration.

The New York Times

I worried about him.

The New York Times - Science

I worried about everything.

The New York Times - Sports

I worried about Clare.

The New York Times

I worried about it.

The New York Times - Travel

I worried about that moment for weeks.

The New York Times

"Am I worried about the future?

The New York Times - Sports

I worried about losing our home.

The New York Times

"I worried about my physical state.

The Guardian

And finally, am I worried about this?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I worried about" to express concern or anxiety regarding a specific person, situation, or thing. Be clear about the object of your worry to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "I worry about" when referring to a past event or concern. "I worried about" indicates a past worry, whereas "I worry about" indicates a present or ongoing concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I worried about" functions as a statement of past concern or anxiety. It typically introduces the subject of the worry, providing context to the speaker's emotional state, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I worried about" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express past concerns or anxieties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and common expression. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase serves to convey feelings of unease regarding a specific subject. When using this phrase, be mindful of the object of your worry and ensure clarity in your communication. Alternative expressions like "I was concerned about" offer similar but nuanced ways to convey the same sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was concerned about

Focuses on the state of being concerned rather than the act of worrying.

I had concerns about

Emphasizes the existence of specific concerns rather than a general feeling of worry.

I felt anxious about

Highlights the feeling of anxiety associated with the subject.

I was apprehensive about

Suggests a feeling of unease or fear about a future event.

I was uneasy about

Implies a lack of comfort or peace of mind regarding the subject.

I fretted about

Indicates a more agitated or distressed state of worrying.

I agonized over

Conveys a deeper sense of struggle and emotional pain related to worrying.

I stressed about

Highlights the stressful nature of the worrying.

I was troubled by

Emphasizes that something is causing you distress or anxiety.

It concerned me that

Shifts the focus to the fact that something was concerning, rather than an active state of worry.

FAQs

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

Use "I worried about" to express concern about something in the past. For example, "I worried about the test all week before taking it".

What are some alternatives to "I worried about"?

Alternatives include phrases like "I was concerned about", "I had concerns about", or "I felt anxious about", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "I worried about" and "I worry about"?

"I worried about" refers to a past concern or anxiety. "I worry about" indicates a present or ongoing concern. For example, "I worried about the presentation yesterday" (past) versus "I worry about future presentations" (present).

Is it correct to say "I worried for" instead of "I worried about"?

While "I worried for" is sometimes used, "I worried about" is more common and generally preferred. "I worried about her safety" is more natural than "I worried for her safety".