a twinge of worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a twinge of worry" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a small or slight feeling of worry or anxiety. Example: "As she watched her daughter drive away for her first solo road trip, Mary felt a twinge of worry in her stomach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In exchange for your discount, you get a twinge of worry.

The New York Times - Magazine

And if the car ever felt a twinge of worry, it would beep loudly at me to take control.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But I have to admit that way down in my mind, after the thoughts for the victims and their families and the horrible sadness for all of us as a society, I felt a slight twinge of worry.

Huffington Post

For years, I was proud of my ability to tweet about the darkest parts of my soul frankly divulging the chaos of my depression and suicidal tendencies online, without a twinge of shame or worry.

Vice

Every worrier will feel a twinge of recognition at Roger Hargreaves's Mr Worry, who has his worries removed by a wizard and then worries about having nothing to worry about.

The Guardian - Books

It has been happening in broad daylight without the slightest twinge of worry that maybe someone should, you know, maybe do something about it -- that is, until this month.

Huffington Post

She felt a twinge of envy.

The New Yorker

I feel a twinge of revulsion.

The Guardian

Galla felt a twinge of betrayal.

The New York Times - Magazine

Perhaps he feels a twinge of complicity.

The New York Times - Books

Or maybe there is even a twinge of guilt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a twinge of worry" to subtly indicate a character's internal state without resorting to heavy-handed descriptions of anxiety.

Common error

Avoid using "a twinge of worry" repeatedly in close proximity, as it can become repetitive. Vary your descriptions of emotion to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a twinge of worry" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb, such as 'felt' or 'experienced'. It describes a mild sensation of anxiety, indicating a subtle but present feeling of concern. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a twinge of worry" is a grammatically correct and subtly expressive phrase used to depict a mild feeling of anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is found within news and media contexts. The phrase serves to convey a slight feeling of concern. While not frequently used, it’s appropriate for general use. When employing this phrase, consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended mild level of worry. Be aware of the risk of overuse and explore alternatives to maintain variety and reader interest. Related phrases like "a slight concern" or "a hint of anxiety" can serve as effective substitutes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight concern

Emphasizes the mild degree of concern felt.

a touch of unease

Highlights the feeling of being unsettled or disturbed.

a small anxiety

Directly states that the feeling is an anxiety, but not a large one.

a hint of anxiety

Focuses on the subtle presence of anxiety rather than worry specifically.

a fleeting apprehension

Suggests a brief and quickly passing feeling of worry.

a shadow of concern

Implies that the concern is lurking in the background.

a flutter of nervousness

Uses a more physical metaphor to describe the feeling of worry.

a prickle of anxiety

Uses a sensory metaphor to describe the feeling of unease or worry.

a moment of disquiet

Focuses on the lack of peace and tranquility caused by worry.

a suspicion of trouble

Shifts the focus to anticipating potential problems.

FAQs

How can I use "a twinge of worry" in a sentence?

You can use "a twinge of worry" to describe a slight feeling of anxiety or concern about something. For example, "She felt "a twinge of worry" when her son didn't call."

What's a similar expression to "a twinge of worry"?

Similar expressions include "a slight concern", "a hint of anxiety", or "a touch of unease", all conveying a mild feeling of anxiety.

Is it correct to say "a tinge of worry" instead of "a twinge of worry"?

While "tinge" and "twinge" are similar, "twinge" implies a sudden, sharp feeling, making ""a twinge of worry"" suitable for describing a brief moment of concern. "Tinge" usually describes a slight coloring or flavor.

What is the difference between "a twinge of worry" and "a wave of worry"?

"A twinge" suggests a small, brief feeling, while "a wave" implies a much stronger, more overwhelming sensation. Use "a wave of worry" when the feeling is intense.