anxious about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anxious about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing worry or concern regarding a specific situation or outcome. Example: "She was anxious about the upcoming exam and spent hours studying to prepare."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She's anxious about decisions.

Harvard Business Review

What was I so anxious about?

The New Yorker

What are people so anxious about?

The New Yorker

He is anxious about failure.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But surely H. and G. are not anxious about eating; they are anxious about being eaten.

The New Yorker

He was feeling increasingly anxious about work.

Harvard Business Review

They weren't anxious about security.

Los Angeles Times

What are you anxious about?

Huffington Post

Anxious about climate change?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Never been anxious about it".

The New York Times

"I'm super anxious about that".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace "anxious about" with synonyms like "worried about" or "concerned about" to vary your writing and avoid repetition.

Common error

Be mindful that "anxious about" indicates a higher level of worry than simply "interested in" or "curious about". Use it when there's genuine concern or unease.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anxious about" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a subject and expressing a state of worry or unease regarding a specific topic. Ludwig shows examples where it describes individuals, groups, or even entities feeling concern.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

27%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "anxious about" is a grammatically sound and highly prevalent expression used to convey worry or concern regarding specific situations or outcomes. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage across diverse contexts, from personal anxieties to broader societal concerns. While generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to consider the specific context and choose the most appropriate synonym, such as "worried about" or "concerned about", for clarity and precision. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worried about

A direct synonym, emphasizing concern and unease.

concerned about

Slightly more formal, highlighting a sense of responsibility or care.

apprehensive about

Suggests a feeling of dread or foreboding about something in the future.

uneasy about

Emphasizes a lack of comfort or peace of mind regarding a situation.

nervous about

Focuses on the agitation and restlessness associated with anxiety.

fearful of

Highlights the element of fear and potential danger.

stressed about

Emphasizes the pressure and strain causing anxiety.

perturbed by

Suggests a disturbance or unsettlement caused by something.

insecure about

Focuses on a lack of confidence or self-assurance.

afraid of

Emphasizes a sense of dread and aversion.

FAQs

What's a simple way to explain "anxious about"?

"Anxious about" means feeling worried, uneasy, or apprehensive about something. It's a way of expressing concern over a specific situation or outcome.

What can I say instead of "anxious about"?

You can use alternatives like "worried about", "concerned about", or "apprehensive about" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "anxious about" in a formal setting?

It's appropriate to use "anxious about" in formal settings when expressing genuine concern or responsibility. However, consider alternatives like "concerned about" for a slightly more professional tone.

Is there a difference between "anxious about" and "excited about"?

Yes, "anxious about" expresses worry or unease, while "excited about" expresses anticipation and enthusiasm. They have opposite meanings.