be worrying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be worrying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a state of concern or anxiety about something that is currently happening or ongoing. Example: "The rising temperatures and extreme weather patterns should be worrying to everyone who cares about the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That would be worrying.

The Guardian - Opinion

We'd still be worrying".

The New York Times - Style

Could that be worrying your wife?

Independent

They'll be worrying about me".

The Guardian

"Why should it be worrying?

The New York Times

That's what he should be worrying about.

The Guardian

I'd be worrying who'd play Thatcher".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We're going to be worrying about Manhattan".

The Guardian

You should be worrying about Y. B3.

The Guardian - Opinion

But De Waal may be worrying unnecessarily.

The Guardian

She shouldn't be worrying about that".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be worrying", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the worry to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify 'the increase in unemployment is worrying' instead of just 'that is be worrying'.

Common error

Avoid using "be worrying" when a past tense is more appropriate. For example, instead of saying 'The results be worrying', consider 'The results were worrying' to correctly reflect the timing of the concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be worrying" functions as a verb phrase, typically part of a continuous verb tense, expressing an ongoing state of concern or anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be worrying" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase to express ongoing concern or anxiety, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is versatile and suitable for various contexts, predominantly found in News & Media. For clarity, specify what is causing the worry and avoid using it in past tense contexts where "was/were worrying" is more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "be concerning", "be troubling", or "be alarming" to adjust the intensity of your concern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be concerning

Replaces "worrying" with a synonym that emphasizes the cause of concern.

be troubling

Emphasizes the disruptive or unsettling nature of the concern.

be alarming

Indicates a higher degree of concern, suggesting potential danger or risk.

be disquieting

Highlights the disturbance to one's peace of mind.

be a cause for concern

Shifts the focus to the reason behind the worry.

give cause for anxiety

Emphasizes the feeling of anxiety produced by the situation.

raise concerns

Focuses on the act of expressing worries about something.

be a matter of concern

Formalizes the expression, indicating something important to consider.

be something to fret about

Uses "fret" as a more informal synonym for worry.

be a source of apprehension

Emphasizes the anticipation of future problems or difficulties.

FAQs

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

You can use "be worrying" to express concern about a situation or trend. For example, "The latest economic forecasts "are be worrying"" or "It "can be worrying" when children spend too much time online".

What are some alternatives to "be worrying"?

Alternatives to "be worrying" include "be concerning", "be troubling", or "be alarming", depending on the level of concern you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is be worrying"?

No, "is be worrying" is not grammatically correct. The correct form is "is worrying". The auxiliary verb 'be' is already present in the -ing form, so another 'be' verb is redundant.

What is the difference between "be worrying" and "is worrying"?

"Be worrying" is often used in hypothetical or conditional statements, while "is worrying" states a current fact. For example, "That would "be worrying" if it were true" (hypothetical) versus "The current infection rate "is worrying"" (present fact).