a bundle of nerves

USAGE SUMMARY

"a bundle of nerves" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It typically refers to someone who is very nervous or anxious. Example: She was a bundle of nerves before her big job interview.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm a bundle of nerves".

Independent

"I was just a bundle of nerves.

The New York Times - Sports

I was a bundle of nerves".

The New York Times

But I warn you: I'll be a bundle of nerves".

The New Yorker

Our Isis minders are a bundle of nerves.

The Guardian

Security director Patrick Steele was a bundle of nerves.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm a bundle of nerves - this is frankly unbelievable," says Lynn Bashforth.

The Guardian - Sport

I was a bundle of nerves, I wasn't eating or sleeping".

The New York Times - Arts

I was a bundle of nerves and anxiety, but I still did it".

The Guardian - Music

Ms. Gillot had even better reason to be a bundle of nerves.

The New York Times - Arts

"What a bundle of nerves you all are!" says Dorn Nick Salamonee), the sexy older doctor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a bundle of nerves", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intensity of the nervousness. If the person is mildly nervous, consider a less intense phrase.

Common error

While "a bundle of nerves" is a vivid expression, overuse can diminish its impact. Vary your language by using synonyms like "anxious", "stressed out", or "on edge" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bundle of nerves" functions as a subject complement, describing the state or condition of a subject. It's a common way to express that someone is experiencing a high degree of anxiety or nervousness. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bundle of nerves" is a common and correct phrase used to describe someone who is very nervous or anxious. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts. When writing, consider the context and choose synonyms like "anxious" or "on edge" to avoid overuse. It's important to remember that it serves as a subject complement. Several authoritative sources, including The New York Times and The Guardian, frequently employ this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bag of nerves

A more concise way to describe extreme nervousness.

a nervous wreck

Implies a state of extreme anxiety and discomposure.

on edge

Describes a state of being tense and irritable.

anxious

A general term for feeling worried or uneasy.

stressed out

Describes being overwhelmed by stress.

jittery

Suggests a state of restlessness and anxiety.

uneasy

Implies a feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

apprehensive

Describes feeling anxious or fearful about the future.

agitated

Describes a state of being disturbed or excited.

uptight

Implies being tense, anxious, and inflexible.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe someone as "a bundle of nerves"?

Describing someone as "a bundle of nerves" means they are very nervous, anxious, or agitated. It implies they are tense and possibly overwhelmed by their feelings.

What are some alternatives to saying "a bundle of nerves"?

You can use alternatives like "a bag of nerves", "a nervous wreck", or "on edge" depending on the context and the level of intensity you want to convey.

How can I use "a bundle of nerves" in a sentence?

You can use "a bundle of nerves" to describe a person's state of anxiety. For example: "Before the presentation, she was a bundle of nerves."

Is it appropriate to use "a bundle of nerves" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "a bundle of nerves" is more common in informal or neutral contexts. For formal writing, consider using more precise and less idiomatic language such as "extremely anxious" or "highly agitated".