be anxious

USAGE SUMMARY

"be anxious" is a correct phrase in written English and it is usually used as a verb.
Example sentence: I always become anxious when I need to give a speech in public.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But it shouldn't be anxious.

The New Yorker

Williams will be anxious.

The New York Times - Sports

And the Fed will be anxious too.

The Economist

They may have reason to be anxious.

The New York Times

No one wanted to be anxious.

The New Yorker

You don't want to be anxious?

The New York Times

I'll be anxious to see it tonight.

The New York Times - Sports

You may be anxious about financial problems.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

They are anxious".

The New York Times

He was anxious, distracted.

The New York Times

These are anxious times.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be anxious" to express a state of worry, nervousness, or unease about a future event or situation. Ensure the context clearly indicates the source or reason for the anxiety.

Common error

Avoid using "be anxious" when you mean to express eagerness or excitement. While anxiety can involve anticipation, it primarily conveys worry or unease, not positive anticipation. Use "be eager" or "look forward to" instead to express excitement about something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be anxious" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate adjective to describe the state of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms this, showing examples where it modifies individuals feeling worry or concern. The phrase connects a subject to a feeling of unease or apprehension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be anxious" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a state of worry, nervousness, or unease. Ludwig AI confirms that it functions primarily as a verb phrase, used to describe someone experiencing anxiety. While sometimes confused with eagerness, it's best used to convey feelings of concern. It appears frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources, indicating its broad applicability. Remember to differentiate it from "be eager" to avoid miscommunication. Use it to accurately convey a sense of worry or apprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be nervous

This indicates a state of agitation or excitement, often before an important event.

feel worried

This indicates a state of concern or distress about actual or potential problems.

be concerned

This implies a state of worry or unease, often about someone or something specific.

be apprehensive

This implies a feeling of anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.

feel apprehensive

This suggests a sense of unease or dread about a future event.

be uneasy

This suggests a lack of comfort or peace of mind, often due to uncertainty.

be on edge

This suggests a state of heightened tension or irritability.

be solicitous

This implies being concerned and attentive, often in a protective or caring way.

be restless

This indicates an inability to relax or stay still, often due to anxiety or boredom.

be eager

This expresses a strong desire or enthusiasm for something, differing from worry.

FAQs

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

You can use "be anxious" to express worry or nervousness about something. For example, "I "am anxious" about the upcoming exam" or "She "was anxious" about the job interview".

What's the difference between "be anxious" and "be nervous"?

"Be anxious" and "be nervous" are often used interchangeably, but "be anxious" can imply a deeper, more prolonged state of worry, while "be nervous" often refers to a more immediate, situational feeling of unease. The distinction is subtle and context-dependent.

What can I say instead of "be anxious" to express a similar feeling?

You can use alternatives like "be worried", "be concerned", or "be apprehensive" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it incorrect to use "be anxious" when I mean "be eager"?

While some may use "be anxious" informally to mean "be eager", it's generally considered more accurate and clearer to use "be eager", "look forward to", or other phrases that specifically convey positive anticipation rather than worry.