Worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "worry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word worry to express feeling concerned or anxious about something. Example: I worry about making the wrong decision.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But don't worry.

The New York Times

A healthy "attention span" becomes just another ineffable quality to remember having, to believe you've lost, to worry about your kids lacking, to blame the culture for destroying.

The New York Times - Magazine

People would pay their taxes when they buy things and wouldn't need to worry about keeping records or filing tax returns at all.

The New York Times

"Nothing to worry about".

The New York Times

So nothing to worry about?

The New York Times

Constantly checking my phone not only makes me bad company (sorry friends), but it makes me worry that there's something I'm missing or something I've failed to cover in one of my stories.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But while rural dwellers in particular chafe at restrictions and heavy-handed enforcement – which has included forced abortions – many in cities are used to the policy and seem largely indifferent, or like the idea of increasing their families but worry about the financial impact.

The Guardian

Leonard spends much of his time talking to people at the core of the EU, and of late, he has started to pick up rising worry about whether the UK might leave.

The Guardian

Three nights with nothing to do but walk and read, and no one to worry about but myself - it sounds like bliss now I'm over my initial sad-sack mindset.

The Guardian - Travel

How that will function in the heat and humidity of Cuiaba is an issue that appears not to worry the manager.

The Guardian - Sport

"The worry that Hungary could be a Trojan horse for the Russians in the EU is just nonsense," said Kovács.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "worry" in contexts where there's a genuine sense of unease or concern, not for minor inconveniences.

Common error

Avoid using "worry" in situations that require a lighter tone. Opt for alternatives like "no problem" or "it's okay" to maintain a casual feel.

Linguistic Context

The word "worry" functions primarily as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it describes the act of feeling anxious or troubled. As a noun, it refers to a state of anxiety or a cause of concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, "worry" is correct and usable in written English. Examples demonstrate its use in expressing concern or anxiety.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "worry" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb, commonly used to express feelings of anxiety or concern. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts. The analysis of numerous examples reveals its prevalence in news and media, with a neutral register that allows for broad application. When writing, consider the nuance you wish to convey, choosing synonyms like "feel anxious" or "be concerned" to refine your meaning. As such, the word "worry" is a useful resource in your arsenal of linguistic choices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel anxious

Focuses on the emotional experience of anxiety.

be concerned

Highlights a sense of care and responsibility.

experience anxiety

Describes the active sensation of being worried.

have apprehensions

Emphasizes a formal sense of unease about future events.

be stressed

Conveys a state of mental or emotional strain.

have misgivings

Suggests a feeling of doubt or apprehension about the outcome or consequences of something.

feel uneasy

Implies a lack of comfort and slight anxiety.

agonize over

Emphasizes the act of dwelling on something causing distress.

be fearful

Highlights the emotional response of fear.

dread the thought of

Expresses a strong sense of aversion and fear regarding a future event.

FAQs

How can I use "worry" in a sentence?

You can use "worry" as a verb, such as "I "worry" about my exam results", or as a noun, like "My main "worry" is not finishing on time".

What can I say instead of "worry"?

You can use alternatives like "feel anxious", "be concerned", or "have apprehensions" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I am worrying"?

Yes, "I am worrying" is grammatically correct and is the present continuous tense of the verb "worry", indicating an ongoing state of being worried.

What's the difference between "worry" and "anxiety"?

"Worry" is often used to describe concern over specific potential problems, while "anxiety" can refer to a more general and persistent feeling of unease or fear.