be worried

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be worried" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing concern or anxiety about a situation or outcome. Example: "You shouldn't be worried about the exam; you've prepared well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

We should be worried.

The New York Times

"It should be worried".

The New York Times

Should I be worried?

Independent

"Should people be worried?

The New York Times - Tech

They should be worried".

The New Yorker

Londoners should be worried.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

His daughter was worried.

Harvard University

She was worried.

Harvard University

Because you're worried?

University of California, Berkeley

Still, I'm worried.

Harvard University

But I'm worried.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be worried", ensure the context clearly indicates the cause of the concern. For example, "be worried about the deadline" is more specific than simply "be worried".

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "I'm worried". Instead, clearly state the subject of your concern: "I'm worried about the presentation" or "I'm worried that I might miss the train."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be worried" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, describing a state of being. It indicates a feeling of anxiety or concern about a particular situation or outcome. As Ludwig suggests, it expresses concern or anxiety about a situation or outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

22%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

20%

Formal & Business

14%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be worried" is a versatile phrase used to express feelings of anxiety or concern, as analyzed by Ludwig. It is grammatically sound and frequently found in diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic writing, and general discussions. Ludwig AI suggests that it is correct and usable in written English. While "be worried" is appropriate for expressing a general state of unease, it's best practice to specify the cause of the worry for clarity. Consider related phrases like "feel concerned" or "have concerns" to add variety to your writing. The phrase maintains a neutral register and its frequent use across authoritative sources underscores its reliability in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel concerned

Replaces the emotion "worried" with "concerned", maintaining a similar level of formality.

feel anxious

Substitutes "worried" with "anxious", highlighting the feeling of unease.

be troubled

Similar to "worried" but suggests a deeper, more persistent sense of unease.

have concerns

Shifts from a state of being to possessing concerns, changing the grammatical structure.

be apprehensive

Replaces "worried" with "apprehensive", suggesting a more formal and anticipatory concern.

be uneasy

Substitutes "worried" with "uneasy", indicating a lack of comfort or peace of mind.

be fearful

Replaces "worried" with "fearful", emphasizing a stronger sense of dread or alarm.

have misgivings

Indicates a sense of doubt or reservation, different from direct worry but related.

be agitated

Replaces "worried" with "agitated", implying visible signs of anxiety or restlessness.

be stressed

Implies a state of mental or emotional strain, which can be a result of worry.

FAQs

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

You can use "be worried" to express concern about a situation, for example: "Should I "be worried" about the upcoming storm?" or "They will "be worried" if we don't arrive on time".

What are some alternatives to "be worried"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "feel concerned", "feel anxious", or "have concerns".

When is it appropriate to use "be worried" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "be worried" in both formal and informal writing when expressing a state of concern or anxiety about a particular situation or outcome. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

What's the difference between "be worried" and "be concerned"?

"Be worried" and "be concerned" are often interchangeable, but "be worried" can imply a stronger emotional response than "be concerned", which can be more about intellectual consideration of a problem.