be worrying about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be worrying about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing ongoing concerns or anxieties regarding a particular issue or situation. Example: "I don't want to be worrying about my finances all the time; I need to find a better budgeting strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But is there another addiction we should be worrying about, too?

Harvard University

"What we should be worrying about is if people are ok, not what they look like".

Independent

"What he should be worrying about is the living standards of people in this country.

BBC

I think this is the "loop" grokesx should be worrying about!

BBC

Consider a few matters that a truly worried people would be worrying about.

The New York Times

They'll be worrying about me".

The Guardian

We should be worrying about what hasn't.

The Washington Post

That's what he should be worrying about.

The Guardian

We're going to be worrying about Manhattan".

The Guardian

You should be worrying about Y. B3.

The Guardian - Opinion

She shouldn't be worrying about that".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be worrying about", ensure the context clearly indicates the subject of the worry and the reason for the concern. This helps provide clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "be worrying about" in formal contexts like academic papers or business reports. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "be concerned about" or "have reservations regarding" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be worrying about" functions as a verb phrase expressing an ongoing state of concern or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be worrying about" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey concern or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its common occurrence in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral, consider more formal alternatives in professional settings. Use it effectively by clearly indicating the subject and cause of the worry to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be concerned about

Uses a different verb to express a similar state of worry or concern.

be anxious about

Emphasizes the feeling of anxiety related to a specific issue.

be apprehensive about

Suggests a sense of unease or dread regarding a future event.

be troubled by

Focuses on the disturbance or distress caused by something.

be uneasy about

Indicates a lack of comfort or peace of mind.

have concerns regarding

Uses a more formal tone to express worries.

be preoccupied with

Highlights the state of being mentally absorbed by worries.

be stressed about

Focuses on the stress induced by a particular situation.

be fearful of

Emphasizes a sense of fear or dread related to something.

be agitated by

Suggests a state of heightened anxiety or restlessness.

FAQs

What does "be worrying about" mean?

The phrase "be worrying about" indicates a state of concern or anxiety regarding a specific issue or situation. It implies that someone is experiencing mental unease or preoccupation with a particular subject.

What are some alternatives to "be worrying about"?

You can use alternatives like "be concerned about", "be anxious about", or "be apprehensive about" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "be worrying about"?

Yes, "be worrying about" is grammatically correct and widely used in spoken and written English. It follows the standard structure of a verb phrase with a preposition.

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

To use "be worrying about" effectively, ensure that the sentence clearly indicates the subject, the reason for the worry, and the potential consequences. For example, "She is worrying about the upcoming exam because she hasn't studied enough".