alleviate a worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alleviate a worry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing ways to reduce or lessen someone's concerns or anxieties. Example: "The therapist provided several strategies to alleviate a worry that had been troubling her client for weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hoping the law would alleviate a small fraction of the worry she had experienced as the mother of a child with a serious mental illness, Linda turned into a one-woman media machine.

Vice

It could alleviate a lot of fears.

Independent

When antidepressants and psychotherapy fail to alleviate a crippling depression.

The New York Times - Health

A solar border would alleviate a range of binational problems.

Huffington Post

When Ivanka notes that the ballot is secret, it sounds like a secret that she and the viewer might share, though the point may be to alleviate any worries Trump supporters have about explaining their votes to the neighbors.

The New Yorker

It concerned the Huawei Cyber Security Evaluation Centre, at Banbury in Oxfordshire, where telecoms-network equipment supplied by the Chinese company is tested to alleviate any worries that its customers (or the state) may have.

The Economist

For women, the washed leather handbags by Prada (below), which come in sage green and light blue in two sizes ($1,495 and $1,530), and Sissi Rossi's green, oval handbag with outside cargo pockets ($765 at Barneys Co-op) alleviate any worries about getting that first scratch.

The New York Times

Take some with you and get them signed there and then to alleviate any worries about breaching people's privacy and likeness.

WikiHow

If a person is worried about the ingredients in their makeup, says Romanowski, not using products is another way to alleviate that worry.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I know it's not the most pleasant experience, so I try to alleviate the worry by explaining the emotions people feel as they lie back.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If your child is scared of the dark or fears that there may be monsters hiding under his bed, you may be able to alleviate his worries by concocting a special "monster spray" that you can ritualistically spray around his bedroom before lights out.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "alleviate a worry", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the worry and how it is being alleviated. For example, "Providing clear instructions can help alleviate a worry about the project's complexity".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "alleviate" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. In such cases, consider using simpler alternatives like "ease" or "reduce" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alleviate a worry" functions as a verb phrase where "alleviate" acts as the verb and "a worry" is the direct object. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and used to describe the action of reducing or easing someone's anxiety or concern.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "alleviate a worry" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English that describes reducing or easing someone's anxiety or concern, as supported by Ludwig. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While "alleviate" itself isn't overly formal, it implies a more thoughtful word choice suitable for neutral to professional communication. Although correct, alternatives such as "ease a concern" or "reduce anxiety" may be more appropriate in informal settings. Ludwig confirms that the phrase follows standard grammatical conventions and is employed across various authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ease a concern

Focuses on reducing a specific concern rather than a general feeling of worry.

reduce anxiety

Emphasizes the reduction of anxiety, a more clinical term for worry.

lessen apprehension

Replaces "worry" with "apprehension", indicating a feeling of fear or dread about the future.

soothe anxieties

Implies a comforting or calming approach to reducing anxiety.

mitigate unease

Uses more formal vocabulary to convey a similar meaning.

allay fears

Targets fears specifically, suggesting a more intense form of worry.

dispel concerns

Suggests actively removing or scattering concerns.

assuage anxieties

Conveys a sense of gradually easing or relieving anxiety.

lighten the burden of worry

Emphasizes the weight or pressure associated with worrying.

take the edge off anxiety

Suggests a partial reduction in anxiety, making it more manageable.

FAQs

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

You can use "alleviate a worry" to describe actions that reduce someone's anxiety. For example, "The detailed explanation helped "alleviate a worry" about the upcoming test".

What can I say instead of "alleviate a worry"?

You can use alternatives like "ease a concern", "reduce anxiety", or "lessen apprehension" depending on the context.

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

Both are correct, but "alleviate a worry" is generally used when referring to a specific concern. "Alleviate worry" is broader and refers to worry in general.

What's the difference between "alleviate a worry" and "ease a fear"?

"Alleviate a worry" implies reducing a feeling of anxiety or concern, while "ease a fear" suggests reducing a specific feeling of fright or dread. The best choice depends on the specific emotion you're describing.