be worried about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be worried about" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to express concern or anxiety about something. Example: She was worried about her son's safety when he went on a hiking trip in the mountains.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nothing to be worried about!

Forbes

"Somebody should be worried about that".

The New York Times

"Maybe we should be worried about this".

The New York Times

Should we be worried about fracking?

Independent

We may be worried about cuts.

Independent

Should I be worried about this message?

The New York Times

Q.Should we be worried about this?

The New York Times

"You can't be worried about it.

The New York Times

Should we be worried about this?

The New York Times

Should I be worried about that?

Harvard University

What might you be worried about?

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be worried about", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the worry. Providing specific details helps the reader understand the gravity and nature of the concern.

Common error

Avoid using "be worried about" in overly passive constructions. Instead of saying "The decision is worried about by many", opt for a more direct and active voice such as "Many are worried about the decision".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be worried about" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of concern or anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common way to indicate that someone is experiencing worry related to a specific issue or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

17%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be worried about" is a very common verb phrase used to express concern or anxiety. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal communication, although it appears most frequently in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the worry. Related phrases include "feel anxious about" and "have concerns regarding", which offer subtle differences in tone and intensity. Remember to avoid passive constructions for clearer and more direct writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel anxious about

Emphasizes the feeling of anxiety rather than the state of worry. It implies a more intense emotional response.

have concerns regarding

Presents the worry in a more formal and detached manner, suitable for professional contexts.

be apprehensive about

Indicates a feeling of unease or dread about a future event or situation.

fear for

Focuses on the potential negative consequences and the fear associated with them, often relating to someone's safety or well-being.

be uneasy about

Suggests a lack of comfort or peace of mind regarding something, implying a subtle but persistent worry.

have misgivings about

Implies a sense of doubt or reservation about something, indicating a deeper level of concern.

be concerned for

Emphasizes a caring or protective worry, often related to the welfare of others.

fret over

Suggests a more agitated and restless form of worry, often about minor details or uncontrollable situations.

be agitated by

Focuses on the disruptive effect that worry or concern creates. It implies restlessness and mental conflict.

lose sleep over

Highlights the significant impact that worry has on one's well-being, suggesting it's a major source of stress.

FAQs

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

Use "be worried about" to express concern or anxiety regarding a specific topic. For example, "I "am worried about" the upcoming exam".

What are some alternatives to "be worried about"?

You can use alternatives like "feel anxious about", "have concerns regarding", or "be apprehensive about" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "be worried about" or "be concerned about"?

"Be worried about" and "be concerned about" are often interchangeable, but "be concerned about" can sometimes imply a more formal or professional tone, while "be worried about" is generally more direct and personal.

When should I not use "be worried about"?

Avoid using "be worried about" in very formal contexts where a more detached phrase like "express reservations regarding" might be more appropriate.