be worried that

USAGE SUMMARY

'be worried that' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing concern or caution about a particular thing. Example: I'm worried that the storm might damage my house.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Should I be worried that my first grader isn't reading?

The New York Times

Investors seem to be worried that CF could be overpaying.

The New York Times

"People shouldn't be worried that I will go quiet.

The Guardian - Money

Should I be worried that McCain is 71?

The New York Times

They'll be worried that maybe they're a psychopath.

The Guardian

Follow up: So should we be worried that UK universities are slipping down the global rankings?

Independent

They all should be worried that they might do something that would offend a Mayor Lhota".

The New York Times

Two, the administration may be worried that the earlier strategy is running its course.

The New York Times

But should we be worried that we are transmitting our diseases to gorillas?

The New York Times

Everyone should be worried that everyone else will make up their figures.

The Economist

And India and China should be worried that America will make up its figures.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be worried that", ensure the sentence clearly states the cause of the worry. This helps avoid ambiguity and makes your concern understandable.

Common error

Avoid mismatching the tense within the 'that' clause. For example, don't say "I'm worried that he will left" (incorrect). Instead, ensure the tense aligns logically: "I'm worried that he will leave" (correct).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be worried that" functions as a verb phrase introducing a subordinate clause expressing concern or anxiety. This structure connects a state of being (worry) with a specific cause or potential outcome. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase effectively conveys the speaker's unease about a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be worried that" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express concern or anxiety about a particular situation or potential outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, and while versatile, it's essential to ensure proper tense agreement and clearly state the cause of worry. Alternatives such as "be concerned that" or "fear that" can be used for slight variations in emphasis. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "be worried that" to communicate your concerns in a clear and appropriate manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be concerned that

Uses a different verb ("concerned" instead of "worried") to express a similar feeling of unease.

fear that

Employs a stronger verb ("fear") to indicate a more intense feeling of worry or apprehension.

have concerns that

Replaces the verb "be" with "have" and uses the noun "concerns" to convey worry.

be anxious that

Substitutes "worried" with "anxious", suggesting a slightly heightened state of concern.

be apprehensive that

Replaces "worried" with "apprehensive", indicating a formal and slightly stronger level of concern.

dread that

Uses "dread" to suggest a strong feeling of fear and worry about something that might happen.

have a nagging feeling that

Introduces a more descriptive and emotional expression of worry.

be uneasy that

Suggests a lack of comfort or peace of mind regarding a particular situation.

be suspicious that

Implies a worry rooted in doubt or distrust.

be leery that

Indicates caution and worry due to potential danger or deception.

FAQs

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

You can use "be worried that" to express concern about a potential outcome or situation. For instance, "I "am worried that" the project won't be completed on time" expresses concern about the project's deadline.

What are some alternatives to "be worried that"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be concerned that", "fear that", or "be anxious that", which convey similar meanings with slight variations in intensity.

Is it correct to say "I am worry that" instead of "I am worried that"?

No, "I am worry that" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "I "am worried that"", using the past participle form of the verb 'worry'.

What's the difference between "be worried about" and "be worried that"?

"Be worried about" is typically followed by a noun or pronoun (e.g., "I'm worried about the weather"), whereas "be worried that" is followed by a clause (e.g., "I'm worried that it will rain").