anxious demeanor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anxious demeanor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's outward appearance or behavior that indicates worry or unease. Example: "Despite her calm words, her anxious demeanor suggested that she was not entirely comfortable with the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

She is patient and forgiving, if anxious at times, comforting and unmistakably female in demeanor and pitch.

The New York Times

But some Democrats were anxious about that choice, citing possible health concerns, Mr. Stark's brusque demeanor and his own recent brush with the ethics panel, which cleared him of a residential tax issue.

The New York Times

What was his demeanor?

The New York Times

"I like his demeanor.

The New York Times

His demeanor radiated irritation.

The New Yorker

His demeanor: surly.

The New York Times - Sports

His demeanor also impressed.

The New York Times

"Different demeanor; different face".

The New York Times

His whole demeanor changed.

The New York Times

His demeanor brightened.

The New Yorker

His demeanor was calm.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character, use "anxious demeanor" to subtly reveal their internal state without explicitly stating their feelings. For example, "Despite her calm tone, her anxious demeanor betrayed her inner turmoil."

Common error

Avoid using "anxious demeanor" to describe extreme states of fear or panic. "Anxious demeanor" implies a sustained state of worry or unease, while fear and panic are more acute and intense. Instead, use terms like "terrified expression" or "panicked state" for the latter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anxious demeanor" functions as a descriptive element, typically an adjective-noun combination, used to characterize a person's state of mind as reflected in their outward behavior and appearance. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is used to express a state of worry or unease.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "anxious demeanor" describes an outward appearance or behavior indicating worry or unease. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's a grammatically sound phrase that can be used to subtly reveal a character's internal state. While relatively common in News & Media, it's absent from other contexts. Consider alternatives like "nervous disposition" or "worried appearance" for similar meanings. Avoid using it to describe extreme states of fear or panic, and be mindful of its neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worried appearance

Highlights the outward physical signs of worry.

on-edge behavior

Indicates a state of heightened alertness and anxiety.

nervous disposition

Focuses on the inherent tendency to be nervous, affecting overall behavior.

tense attitude

Highlights the mental and emotional strain reflected in behavior.

agitated manner

Emphasizes restlessness and unease in one's actions.

apprehensive air

Emphasizes the feeling of dread or anticipation of misfortune.

restless behavior

Focuses on the inability to stay still or calm due to anxiety.

fidgety conduct

Focuses on small, nervous movements and actions.

uneasy presence

Describes how someone's anxiety makes others feel uncomfortable.

perturbed state

Describes a condition of being disturbed or unsettled.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "anxious demeanor" in a sentence?

Use "anxious demeanor" to subtly show a character's internal state of worry or unease through their outward appearance and behavior. For instance, "Despite his words of reassurance, his anxious demeanor told a different story."

What's a more formal way to express "anxious demeanor"?

A more formal alternative to "anxious demeanor" could be "nervous disposition" or "perturbed state", which convey a similar sense of unease in a more sophisticated manner. See also: "worried appearance".

How does "anxious demeanor" differ from "nervous habit"?

"Anxious demeanor" describes a general state of unease expressed through appearance and behavior, while "nervous habit" refers to a specific, often repetitive action performed due to anxiety, such as fidgeting or nail-biting. Check out: "fidgety conduct".

What are some common words that collocate with "anxious demeanor"?

Common words that collocate with "anxious demeanor" include "betray", "reveal", "hide", "mask", and "notice". For example, "His anxious demeanor betrayed his true feelings about the situation."