anxious for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anxious for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a strong desire or eagerness for something to happen. Example: "She was anxious for the results of her exam, hoping she had done well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Both said they were anxious for peace.

The Economist

"I'm anxious for this game.

The New York Times - Sports

"I don't know what I'm anxious for.

The New York Times

We are daily anxious for his wellbeing.

The Guardian

Was he anxious for his safety?

The Guardian

"I'm anxious for January to get here".

The New York Times - Sports

Rosario Cuzco is anxious for results.

The New York Times

He was clearly anxious for us to leave.

The New Yorker

Aureliano was anxious for that operation never to end.

The New Yorker

Americans should be anxious, for reasons including the huge deficit.

The New York Times

"And people are anxious for Erick's work to continue".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse of "anxious for" in formal writing; consider alternatives like "eager for" or "concerned about" to maintain a professional tone.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "anxious for" with "anxious to". "Anxious for" is followed by a noun or pronoun, while "anxious to" is followed by a verb. Incorrect: "I'm anxious to the results." Correct: "I'm anxious for the results."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anxious for" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition. It expresses a state of worry, eagerness, or concern related to something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "anxious for" is a common and grammatically correct way to express feelings of eagerness, worry, or concern about something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across diverse sources like News & Media, Encyclopedias and Wiki, making it a versatile choice for both formal and informal communication. While "eager for", "concerned about", and "worried about" serve as suitable alternatives, it's crucial to distinguish "anxious for" (followed by a noun) from "anxious to" (followed by a verb) to maintain grammatical accuracy. The high source quality score, combined with positive expert ratings, underscores the reliability and appropriate usage of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eager for

Expresses anticipation and excitement, shifting the focus from worry to positive expectation.

concerned about

Emphasizes worry and thoughtfulness regarding a particular issue or person.

worried about

Highlights the feeling of unease and apprehension regarding a potential negative outcome.

apprehensive about

Indicates a sense of dread or fear about something that might happen.

nervous about

Suggests a state of agitation and unease, often due to uncertainty or anticipation.

restless for

Implies a desire or impatience for something to occur, often paired with a feeling of agitation.

solicitous of

Expresses care or concern, often for someone's well-being or comfort.

on edge about

Indicates heightened sensitivity and anxiety, often in response to a specific stressor.

uneasy about

Suggests a feeling of discomfort and uncertainty, often due to a lack of information or control.

fearful for

Highlights feelings of terror for something or someone.

FAQs

How can I use "anxious for" in a sentence?

Use "anxious for" when you want to express a feeling of worry, nervousness, or eagerness about something. For example, you might say, "I am anxious for the exam results" or "She was anxious for her friend's safety".

What's the difference between "anxious for" and "anxious to"?

"Anxious for" is used when followed by a noun or pronoun (e.g., "anxious for news"), while "anxious to" is used when followed by a verb (e.g., "anxious to start").

What can I say instead of "anxious for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "eager for", "concerned about", or "worried about".

Is "anxious for" formal or informal?

The phrase "anxious for" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, although in highly formal writing, alternatives like "concerned about" or "eager for" may be preferred depending on the nuance you wish to convey.