I worried for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I worried for" is not correct in standard English usage.
The correct expression would typically be "I worried about." Example: "I worried about my friend's health after hearing the news."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

I worried for music.

The New York Times - Arts

I worried for months".

The Guardian

I worried for him, as well.

The Guardian - Books

I worried for their business and their safety.

The Guardian

I knew that, and I worried for that person.

The New York Times

I worried for her, for vulnerable transgender people everywhere and, perhaps selfishly, for myself.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

"I worry for my family".

The New York Times

I worry for them".

The New York Times - Magazine

I worry for humanity".

The Guardian - Music

I worry for some of them.

The New York Times

"I worry for your health".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer "worried about" over "worried for" in formal writing. While "worried for" appears in some contexts, it is often considered grammatically incorrect.

Common error

Avoid using "for" when "about" is grammatically appropriate. Saying "I worried for" may confuse readers or make your writing seem less polished.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I worried for" functions as an expression of concern or anxiety directed towards someone or something. Although not grammatically standard, it aims to convey the feeling of unease and apprehension regarding the well-being or situation of the subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "I worried for" appears in numerous examples across different sources, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI highlights that the standard and preferred phrasing is "I worried about". Therefore, it's advisable to use "worried about" or other alternative phrases such as "I was concerned about" in both formal and informal writing to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was concerned about

Replaces "worried for" with a more standard and grammatically accepted expression of concern.

I felt anxious about

Emphasizes the feeling of anxiety related to the person or situation being worried about.

I had concerns regarding

Uses a more formal tone to express worries about someone or something.

I was apprehensive about

Highlights a sense of foreboding or unease about a potential outcome.

I feared for the safety of

Specifically focuses on worries related to someone's safety or well-being.

I was troubled by

Indicates a state of being bothered or disturbed by concerns for someone or something.

I dreaded what might happen to

Expresses a strong sense of fear and anticipation of negative consequences.

My heart ached for

Conveys a deep emotional response of sorrow and concern for someone's situation.

I agonized over

Suggests a prolonged and intense period of worry and distress.

I fretted about

Implies a state of nervous and restless worrying.

FAQs

What's the correct way to express concern: "I worried for" or "I worried about"?

The correct and more widely accepted phrasing is "I worried about". While "I worried for" might be used in some contexts, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect. Use alternatives like "I was concerned about" or "I felt anxious about" instead.

What can I say instead of "I worried for"?

You can use alternatives like "I was concerned about", "I felt anxious about", or "I feared for" depending on the context.

Is "I worried for" grammatically correct?

No, "I worried for" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The standard and preferred phrasing is "I worried about". Using "about" is the common and grammatically accepted way to express concern.

In what situations might I encounter the phrase "I worried for"?

While not grammatically standard, you might encounter "I worried for" in informal speech or older texts. However, it's best to use the more common and correct phrase "I worried about" in your writing.