anxious for change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anxious for change" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong desire or eagerness for transformation or improvement in a situation. Example: "After years of stagnation, the community is anxious for change and is ready to take action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Barring a sudden, unlikely, uplift in the national mood, Mr Obama's prospects look peachy.Voters anxious for change are warming to his message.

The Economist

It is that sort of political repercussion that has made a host of younger Christian Democrats anxious for change -- including Mr. Schauble's departure.

The New York Times

Those anxious for change hope the budget on February 28th will signal his support for radical devolution of power to states, changes in the tax system, a new land law and more.But Mr Modi's intentions are unclear.

The Economist

He says that executives at TEPCO and the other oligopolistic electricity utilities have stifled argument about Japan's nuclear-energy programme, both by pouring money into politics and by muffling the media through their huge advertising budgets.Yet those anxious for change note approvingly that even on energy policy, power has now shifted slightly towards local and regional governments.

The Economist

Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook also acknowledged that her operation had made a number of mistakes and miscalculations, while being buffeted by what he repeatedly described as a "headwind" of being an establishment candidate in a season where voters were anxious for change.

The Washington Post

Having suffered about 70,000 deaths (a conservative estimate) over the course of Calderon's presidency, the country was exhausted by the violence, anxious for change.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Nearly 75 per cent of the population is under the age of 35 and anxious for real change.

Independent

We're told the changes have come after a power struggle between members of Color's board — some of whom are loyal to Nguyen, and others who were anxious for a change.

TechCrunch

But 17 years into her career, Newton is anxious for a change.

HuffPost

The electorate is upset, anxious and hungry for change.

The New York Times

"People are incredibly anxious and ready for change, and we have a series of candidates who are messengers for change," Mr. Stern said, wearing a purple shirt and tie, his union's trademark color.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "anxious for change", consider the intensity of the feeling you want to convey. "Anxious" implies a degree of unease or worry alongside the desire for change. If you intend to express only eagerness or anticipation, alternatives like "eager for change" or "excited for change" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "anxious for change" when you want to express pure enthusiasm without any underlying concern or worry. "Anxious" carries a connotation of apprehension, so ensure it aligns with the intended sentiment. If there is no element of worry or unease, consider using "eager" or "keen" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anxious for change" functions as an adjective phrase describing a state of being. It combines the adjective "anxious" with the prepositional phrase "for change" to modify a noun, indicating a feeling of worry or unease coupled with a desire for transformation. Ludwig confirms the correct usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "anxious for change" is a grammatically sound and contextually nuanced expression used to convey a desire for transformation accompanied by a sense of unease or worry. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is utilized correctly in various sources. While alternatives such as "eager for change" and "excited about change" may be suitable in contexts where pure enthusiasm is intended, "anxious for change" specifically captures the combination of desire and apprehension. Predominantly found in news and media, its appropriate usage hinges on accurately reflecting the intended emotional tone. Understanding the potential for misinterpretation is critical for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eager for a transformation

Emphasizes the eagerness for a complete change.

yearning for progress

Highlights a strong desire for advancement and betterment.

desperate for reform

Indicates a sense of urgency and necessity for improvement.

hungry for innovation

Focuses on a strong appetite for new ideas and methods.

longing for a different direction

Expresses a wistful desire for a new course of action or state of affairs.

craving a shift

Implies a strong need for a change in circumstances or perspective.

seeking a fresh start

Highlights the desire to begin anew, leaving behind the current situation.

in need of evolution

Suggests a requirement for gradual development and improvement.

restless for advancement

Implies a dissatisfaction with the current state and a desire for upward movement.

desiring a turnaround

Indicates a wish for a reversal of negative trends or circumstances.

FAQs

What does "anxious for change" mean?

The phrase "anxious for change" means that someone is not only desiring change, but also experiencing a degree of worry or unease about the current situation and the potential outcomes of that change.

What can I say instead of "anxious for change" if I want to express only excitement?

If you wish to convey excitement without the element of worry, consider using phrases like "eager for change", "excited about change", or "enthusiastic for change".

Is "anxious for change" grammatically correct?

Yes, "anxious for change" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of an adjective modifying a prepositional phrase.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "anxious for change"?

It is appropriate to use "anxious for change" in situations where there is a desire for transformation coupled with a sense of unease or worry about the current state or the potential consequences of the change.