anxiously anticipated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anxiously anticipated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is eagerly awaited with a sense of nervousness or excitement. Example: "The release of the new movie was anxiously anticipated by fans around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Lawyers acting for Woodland said before the ruling that the supreme court's decision was "anxiously anticipated by parents and local education authorities alike".

The Guardian

Like the Court's decision on the Affordable Health Care Act, the decision in Dred Scott v. Sandford, regarding the constitutionality of the Missouri Compromise, was anxiously anticipated — even if, by modern standards, everything about it was sluggish.

The New Yorker

I've previously written about the many ways synthetic biology can help save the environment, so I anxiously anticipated his keynote talk at one of the biggest synthetic biology conferences of the year.

Cornell University

The fourth-quarter results of the company -- whose global businesses range from microchips to cellular phones -- had been anxiously anticipated among investors as an early sign of the impact of the Asian troubles on American high-technology companies.

The New York Times

In an anxiously anticipated new story, "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling has transported her world of magical wizarding across the Atlantic — and some Native American commentators are not happy with the result, saying it exploits and distorts Native culture.

The Washington Post

The changes were anxiously anticipated by Merrill's 14,200 brokers, who knew little about Mr. O'Neal when he was promoted from chief financial officer to succeed John L. Steffens, the longtime head of the firm's brokerage business, in February.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

In the aftermath of the Depression, in a country anxiously anticipating a second world war, she was yesterday's news.

The New York Times - Books

Rogin anxiously anticipates an empty relationship between two people who have nothing in common, a state in which "father and son had no sign to make to each other".

The New Yorker

You're anxiously anticipating what will happen next.

Forbes

There are asymmetries of concern: We may regret the past, but we anxiously anticipate the future.

SEP

The day that Scholastic has been both anxiously anticipating and dreading is nearly here.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "anxiously anticipated" when you want to convey a sense of nervous excitement or eagerness about an upcoming event or result. It's particularly effective when the outcome is uncertain or has significant implications.

Common error

Avoid using "anxiously anticipated" when the anticipation is purely positive and lacks any element of nervousness or worry. In such cases, alternatives like "eagerly awaited" or "highly anticipated" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anxiously anticipated" functions as a compound adjective describing a noun. It modifies the noun by indicating the manner in which something is awaited, combining eagerness with a sense of anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "anxiously anticipated" is a grammatically sound and contextually appropriate way to describe events or outcomes that are eagerly awaited but with a degree of nervousness or uncertainty. Ludwig AI validates that its use is mainly within news, media, and scientific sources. While ""eagerly awaited"" may be a suitable substitute in purely positive scenarios, "anxiously anticipated" accurately captures the mixed emotions inherent in many real-world expectations. Be mindful of using it when purely positive anticipation is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eagerly awaited

This alternative emphasizes the positive anticipation and excitement, reducing the sense of anxiety.

keenly awaited

This option highlights the intensity of the anticipation, focusing on the sharpness of interest.

nervously expected

This phrase puts more emphasis on the anxiety and uncertainty associated with the anticipation.

breathlessly awaited

This suggests a sense of excitement and suspense, as if holding one's breath in anticipation.

expectantly awaited

This focuses on the expectation and anticipation without necessarily implying anxiety.

highly anticipated

This version emphasizes the high level of expectation from many people, reducing the personal anxiety.

awaited with bated breath

Similar to 'breathlessly awaited', this idiom expresses suspense and excitement.

longed for

This implies a strong desire and yearning, shifting the focus from anticipation to longing.

awaited with trepidation

This alternative emphasizes the fear or apprehension associated with the anticipation.

anticipated with unease

This stresses the discomfort and anxiety felt while anticipating something.

FAQs

How to use "anxiously anticipated" in a sentence?

Use "anxiously anticipated" to describe an event or outcome that is eagerly awaited but with some level of anxiety or nervousness. For example, "The supreme court's decision was "anxiously anticipated" by parents and local education authorities alike."

What can I say instead of "anxiously anticipated"?

You can use alternatives like ""eagerly awaited"", "keenly awaited", or "nervously expected" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "anxiously anticipated" or "eagerly anticipated"?

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "Anxiously anticipated" implies a mix of excitement and anxiety, while "eagerly anticipated" suggests a purely positive and enthusiastic expectation.

What's the difference between "anxiously anticipated" and "awaited with trepidation"?

"Anxiously anticipated" suggests a blend of eagerness and anxiety, whereas "awaited with trepidation" focuses primarily on fear, apprehension, or worry about the expected outcome.