anxious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anxious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of worry or unease about something that may happen. Example: "She felt anxious about the upcoming exam, fearing she might not perform well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Everyone had a character, an act, a play, a rant, and there were stages to do them on and audiences anxious to catch them," says Michael Musto, long-time chronicler of the New York scene for the Village Voice.

The Guardian - Music

I maintain my cheerful demeanour, though, anxious to chat with you and show I am not the inarticulate buffoon you evidently suppose I am.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He had been anxious to foster good relations between the grouse shoot, bird lovers and the local community.

The Guardian

I was always an anxious child, hurtling from one terror to another.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And there were anxious murmurs from the sector earlier this month when Eco-Actif – a community interest company spin-out and sub-contractor providing support for the long-term jobless in south- east London – went into voluntary liquidation, claiming its banks considered the Work Programme too financially risky.

The Guardian

By 6.30pm the Ativan had started to do its job, and according to Hill's lawyer Brian Kammer it had rendered him unresponsive, though Kammer noted his client still sounded anxious.

The Guardian

These final exams should be harder than anything that's come before and naturally I'm feeling rather anxious.

The Guardian

If you show your child you are anxious, will they grow up to be fearful too?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It may seem incredibly obvious that anxious parents make their children fearful: scream if you see a spider and it's likely your child will, too.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ian was Margaret's closest friend and mine, and he was always anxious that we shouldn't be torn apart from each other.

The Guardian

He is particularly anxious to make plain that Willy Loman – the flawed and defeated patriarch – in Death of a Salesman is not based on his father, though "one of the other characters has some similarities with an uncle".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context. In some cases, "eager" might be a better fit if the feeling is more about positive anticipation than worry.

Common error

Avoid using "anxious" when "eager" is more appropriate. "Anxious" carries a connotation of worry, whereas "eager" expresses positive anticipation. For example, say "I'm eager to start the project" rather than "I'm anxious to start the project" if you're excited, not worried.

Linguistic Context

The word "anxious" primarily functions as an adjective, describing a state of being worried, uneasy, or apprehensive. Ludwig shows examples where it modifies nouns to indicate a person's emotional state or a situation causing concern. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase "anxious" is indeed correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Lifestyle

25%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "anxious" is a common adjective used to describe a state of worry or unease. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the specific nuance you want to convey and whether a synonym like "worried", "nervous", or "eager" might be more appropriate. Common errors include overusing "anxious" in place of "eager" when expressing positive anticipation. As showcased by Ludwig's examples, "anxious" appears frequently in News & Media, Lifestyle, and Sport contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worried

Similar in meaning, but may imply a more general state of concern.

nervous

Suggests a state of agitation or unease, often in anticipation of something.

apprehensive

Implies a feeling of anxiety about a future event or situation.

concerned

Indicates a feeling of worry or interest, often for someone else's well-being.

uneasy

Suggests a lack of comfort or peace of mind.

restless

Implies an inability to relax or stay still due to anxiety.

solicitous

Shows excessive concern or attentiveness.

eager

Describes a strong desire or enthusiasm, sometimes with a hint of impatience.

perturbed

Suggests a state of being disturbed or agitated.

agitated

Implies a state of heightened anxiety and restlessness.

FAQs

How to use "anxious" in a sentence?

"Anxious" is an adjective that describes a state of worry, nervousness, or unease. For example, "She felt anxious about the upcoming exam" or "He was anxious to hear the results".

What can I say instead of "anxious"?

You can use alternatives like "worried", "nervous", "apprehensive", or "eager" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "anxious to" do something?

Yes, it is correct to say "anxious to" do something, meaning eagerly desirous of doing it. However, be mindful that it still carries a connotation of worry or unease, so ensure it fits the context. If you simply mean "eager", consider using that word instead.

What's the difference between "anxious" and "nervous"?

While both "anxious" and "nervous" describe feelings of unease, "anxious" often implies a more prolonged state of worry about potential future events, while "nervous" often refers to a more immediate feeling of agitation or unease in a specific situation.