a nagging worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a nagging worry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a persistent or bothersome concern that occupies one's thoughts. Example: "Despite the beautiful weather, I couldn't shake off a nagging worry about the upcoming exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

I have a nagging worry.

The Guardian - Music

It is an anxiety linked to a nagging worry about Mr Miliband himself.

The Guardian - Opinion

For the hypochondriac, a nagging worry often becomes panic, which then leads to further symptoms.

The New York Times - Science

There was also a nagging worry that Sophia might be a bit too Jewish.

The Guardian - Opinion

Worst of all, at the back of my mind there's a nagging worry that all this is personal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Finally, there's the fear factor: some business owners have a nagging worry about entrusting the critical and confidential workings of their businesses to anyone else, let alone Microsoft.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

a nagging headache?

Princeton University

So a nagging concern sat there.

The New York Times

But there was a nagging concern.

The New York Times - Tech

But for people in the Four Corners area, especially, exposure to mouse droppings often brings on a period of nagging worry.

The New York Times

My growing concern has developed into an increasingly persistent nagging worry as I search for information about the eggs that I donated and about the retrospective emotions of other anonymous egg donors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a nagging worry" to express a persistent, often minor, concern that keeps returning to your thoughts. It's suitable for describing personal anxieties or broader societal concerns.

Common error

While "a nagging worry" is widely understood, consider using more formal alternatives like "persistent concern" or "underlying unease" in academic or professional writing to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a nagging worry" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI shows its usage in various contexts, describing a persistent, bothersome concern.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a nagging worry" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a persistent, often minor, concern that frequently returns to one's thoughts. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and wide usage in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While appropriate for general audiences, more formal alternatives may be preferable in professional or academic writing. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of underlying anxiety or unease, making it useful for expressing personal or broader societal concerns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a persistent concern

Replaces 'worry' with 'concern', emphasizing the ongoing nature of the feeling.

a constant anxiety

Substitutes 'worry' with 'anxiety', highlighting the feeling of unease and apprehension.

a lingering apprehension

Uses 'lingering apprehension' instead of "nagging worry", suggesting a fear that remains present.

an underlying unease

Replaces "nagging worry" with "underlying unease", indicating a subtle but persistent discomfort.

a troubling thought

Focuses on the cognitive aspect, replacing the feeling of worry with a disturbing thought.

a gnawing feeling

Emphasizes the persistent and bothersome nature of the worry, using the word 'gnawing'.

a pressing concern

Highlights the urgency and importance of the worry.

a creeping dread

Replaces "nagging worry" with "creeping dread", suggesting a gradual and insidious fear.

a worrisome thought

A simpler alternative, replacing "nagging" with "worrisome".

a heavy weight on one's mind

Expresses the worry as a burden, emphasizing its impact.

FAQs

What does "a nagging worry" mean?

The phrase "a nagging worry" refers to a persistent and often minor concern that keeps returning to one's thoughts, causing mild anxiety or unease.

How can I use "a nagging worry" in a sentence?

You can use "a nagging worry" to describe personal anxieties or broader societal concerns. For example, "Despite the good news, I still had "a nagging worry" about the future."

What are some alternatives to "a nagging worry"?

You can use alternatives like "a persistent concern", "an underlying unease", or "a troubling thought" depending on the context.

Is "a nagging worry" a formal or informal expression?

While widely understood, "a nagging worry" leans toward a neutral register. In more formal writing, consider alternatives like "a persistent concern" or "an underlying unease".