a worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a worry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific concern or anxiety that someone has about a situation or event. Example: "She expressed a worry about the upcoming changes in the company policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is a worry.

The Economist

Crime is a worry.

The Economist

Always a worry.

Independent

"Never a worry.

The New York Times

What a worry.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Security is a worry.

The Economist

This is a worry.

The New York Times

So that's a worry.

Independent

That's a worry.

Yale University

"It's a worry," he said.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Not much of a worry.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a worry", ensure the context clearly indicates what the worry pertains to. Providing specific details enhances clarity and prevents misinterpretations.

Common error

In formal writing, consider using more precise synonyms like "concern", "apprehension", or "challenge" to add nuance and sophistication to your expression. Over-reliance on "a worry" can make your writing sound simplistic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a worry" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It identifies a specific concern or source of unease, as evidenced in many examples like "Security is a worry."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

9%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a worry" is a common and grammatically correct way to express concern, as validated by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase, typically identifying a specific source of unease. While versatile, it appears most frequently in News & Media. Consider using synonyms such as "a concern" or "a cause for concern" in more formal settings. Be specific about what the "worry" pertains to in your writing to ensure clarity. Overusing "a worry" can be avoided by incorporating a wider range of vocabulary expressing concern. In conclusion, "a worry" is a useful and frequently used expression for highlighting potential problems or sources of anxiety across different contexts, with over 60 examples in the Ludwig database.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a concern

Replaces "worry" with a more general term for something that causes anxiety.

a cause for concern

Emphasizes the reason behind the feeling of worry.

a source of anxiety

Highlights the anxious feeling caused by something.

a matter of concern

Similar to "a cause for concern" but slightly more formal.

a point of concern

Focuses on a specific aspect that is worrying.

something to be worried about

More verbose way to express the same idea.

a potential problem

Focuses on the possible negative consequences.

a challenge

A more neutral framing, implying difficulty without necessarily being negative.

an apprehension

A more formal and psychological term for worry.

a fear

Expresses a stronger, more intense feeling of worry.

FAQs

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

You can use "a worry" to express concern about something. For example, "The rising cost of living is "a worry" for many families."

What can I say instead of "a worry"?

You can use alternatives like "a concern", "a source of anxiety", or "a cause for concern" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a worry" or "a concern"?

Both "a worry" and "a concern" are acceptable, but "concern" might be perceived as slightly more formal. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

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

"A worry" typically refers to a specific concern, while "an anxiety" often describes a more generalized feeling of unease or apprehension. For example, "The upcoming exam is a worry," versus "She suffers from anxiety."