be more worried

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be more worried" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that someone should increase their level of concern about a particular issue or situation. Example: "Given the recent developments, you should be more worried about the potential consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Should we be more worried about the young woman's privacy or worry about the individuals who were named?" he said.

The New York Times

The authoritarian government here could not be more worried.

The New York Times

I would be more worried if that communication went quiet".

BBC

"So again, I'd be more worried if we weren't creating.

Independent

I'd be more worried if it was 500 playing 500.

The Guardian - Sport

I would be more worried that they won't be qualified.

The Guardian - Opinion

I think they'll be more worried about us at times".

The Guardian - Sport

Meanwhile, shouldn't he be more worried about Nick Grimshaw?

The Guardian

"They should be more worried about being determined than comfortable.

The New York Times - Sports

I'd be more worried if it were smallpox".

The New York Times

Shouldn't we be more worried about the real one?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing levels of concern, clearly state what the subject should "be more worried" about, providing a specific focus for their attention.

Common error

Avoid using "be more worried" without clearly defining the source or cause of the worry. Ambiguity can lead to misinterpretation and ineffective action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be more worried" functions primarily as a directive or suggestion. It indicates that someone should increase their level of concern regarding a specific situation. Ludwig AI provides examples showcasing its use in various contexts to highlight potential risks or necessary precautions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be more worried" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to advise or direct someone to increase their level of concern about a particular situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its purpose is often persuasive, aiming to prompt a change in mindset or behavior. While it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts, it's most commonly found in news and media sources. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the cause of concern to avoid ambiguity and promote effective action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be more fearful

A more direct synonym, replacing "worried" with "fearful".

be increasingly anxious

Replaces "worried" with "anxious" and adds the intensifying adverb "increasingly".

be significantly concerned

Substitutes "worried" with "concerned" and intensifies the degree with "significantly".

have greater apprehension

Uses a more formal term "apprehension" to convey a heightened sense of worry.

be deeply troubled

Emphasizes the emotional impact of the worry, suggesting a profound disturbance.

be exceedingly uneasy

Replaces "worried" with "uneasy" and amplifies it with "exceedingly".

feel heightened concern

Expresses worry as a feeling of "heightened concern".

experience increased anxiety

Focuses on the experience of anxiety rather than a state of being worried.

be progressively alarmed

Indicates a gradual increase in worry or alarm.

grow increasingly apprehensive

Highlights the process of becoming more worried over time.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "be more worried"?

Use "be more worried" when you want to suggest that someone should increase their level of concern about a particular situation or issue, implying that the current level of concern is insufficient.

What are some alternatives to "be more worried"?

You can use alternatives like "be increasingly anxious", "be significantly concerned", or "have greater apprehension" to convey a similar meaning with varying degrees of formality and intensity.

How does "be more worried" differ from "be concerned"?

"Be more worried" implies a need to escalate concern, suggesting the current level is inadequate. "Be concerned" simply indicates a state of worry or apprehension without necessarily implying a need for increased attention. The first is a call to action, or awareness, while the second expresses concern.

Is it grammatically correct to say "be more worried"?

Yes, "be more worried" is grammatically correct and widely used in English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its use in reputable sources.