are anxious about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are anxious about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing concern or worry regarding a specific situation or outcome. Example: "Many students are anxious about their upcoming exams and the pressure to perform well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

We are usually 1000 percent aware whatever we are anxious about is irrational.

HuffPost

See what other people are anxious about and realize that you're not alone!

WikiHow

First, Americans are anxious about the future.

The New York Times

Voters are anxious about the deficit.

The New York Times

They are anxious about their economic futures.

The Washington Post

Academic journals are anxious about these developments.

The Guardian

They are anxious about losing control.

The Guardian

They are anxious about immigration and terrorism.

The Washington Post

But they are anxious about the future.

The New York Times

Many Kenyans are anxious about what the reaction will be.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are anxious about", ensure the object of their anxiety is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether they "are anxious about" the outcome, the process, or a related factor.

Common error

While "anxious" is a valid term, avoid overusing it in very casual contexts where simpler words like "worried" or "concerned" might sound more natural and appropriate. Choose the word that best fits the tone of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are anxious about" functions as a predicate adjective phrase expressing a state of worry or unease. It typically links a subject (e.g., people, voters, students) to a feeling of anxiety regarding a specific situation or outcome, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

14%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are anxious about" is a very common and grammatically correct way to express worry or concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's effectively used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, to convey feelings of unease regarding specific situations or outcomes. While alternatives like "are concerned about" or "are worried about" exist, "are anxious about" specifically emphasizes a state of anxiety. When using this phrase, clarity is key, ensuring the source and object of anxiety are well-defined to avoid ambiguity. Remember to consider the tone of your writing and whether "anxious" is the most appropriate word choice for the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are concerned about

Focuses more on general concern rather than a specific feeling of anxiety.

are worried about

Emphasizes the feeling of worry and apprehension.

are apprehensive about

Suggests a feeling of dread or unease about a future event.

have concerns regarding

A more formal way of expressing worry or unease.

are uneasy about

Highlights a lack of comfort or peace of mind.

are nervous about

Implies a state of agitation or heightened anticipation, often before an event.

are fearful of

Emphasizes the element of fear or dread.

are stressed about

Highlights the feeling of being under pressure and burdened by worry.

are agitated by

Suggests a state of restlessness and unease caused by something.

are troubled by

Indicates a state of being bothered or disturbed by something.

FAQs

What's a good way to use "are anxious about" in a sentence?

You can use "are anxious about" to express concern or worry. For example, "Many students "are anxious about" their upcoming exams".

What can I say instead of "are anxious about"?

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

Is there a difference between "are anxious about" and "are nervous about"?

"Are anxious about" generally suggests a deeper level of worry and unease, while "are nervous about" often implies a more temporary state of agitation or anticipation.

When is it best to use "are anxious about" versus "are concerned about"?

"Are anxious about" is suitable when you want to emphasize a feeling of anxiety, whereas "are concerned about" is more appropriate for expressing a general sense of worry or interest in a matter.