become anxious

USAGE SUMMARY

"become anxious" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to start feeling worried or fearful about something. Example: As the deadline for the project approached, I could feel myself becoming more and more anxious about completing it on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Patients become anxious about becoming breathless and avoid exertions that may trigger unpleasant symptoms.

BMJ Open

People resist and become anxious.

Harvard Business Review

Very quickly you become anxious.

The New York Times - Health

In other words, you can become anxious.

Harvard University

Some menopausal women can become anxious or depressed.

Independent

"I've become anxious about unexpected expenses," Ms. Di Pietro said.

The New York Times

The writer could become anxious, stifled or blocked.

The Guardian - Books

But parents see the headlines and they become anxious.

The Guardian

She said her children and friends have become anxious, too.

The Guardian

Sick souls tend to become anxious and melancholic, with apprehension that opportunistically spreads.

The New York Times

We often see such clients selling risky assets and moving to cash when they become anxious.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become anxious", consider the cause of the anxiety and provide context for clarity. This helps the reader understand the situation and the character's emotional state better.

Common error

While "become anxious" is correct, avoid repetitive use in formal writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "grow uneasy", "feel apprehensive", or "start to worry" to maintain reader engagement and demonstrate a broader command of language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become anxious" functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of transitioning into a state of anxiety. It describes the commencement of feeling worried, nervous, or uneasy. Ludwig AI provides various examples of its usage in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

15%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "become anxious" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the process of developing feelings of worry or unease. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academic writing. The phrase carries a neutral register and is best used when describing a transition into a state of anxiety. To enhance your writing, consider using synonyms like "start to worry" or "grow uneasy" for variety, and always provide sufficient context to clarify the triggers of anxiety. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately convey the intended meaning. Be mindful of repetitive use in formal writing and expand vocabulary. Furthermore, it's essential to distinguish between "become anxious" (process) and "be anxious" (state) for precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start to worry

This alternative focuses on the initial stage of anxiety, emphasizing the worrying aspect.

get worried

This alternative is a more casual and direct way to express the onset of anxiety.

begin to fret

This alternative implies a more agitated and restless form of worry.

grow uneasy

This suggests a gradual increase in discomfort and anxiety.

feel apprehensive

This alternative emphasizes a sense of dread or foreboding.

develop anxiety

This alternative highlights the process of developing a more sustained state of anxiety.

descend into worry

This phrase suggests a more intense and overwhelming experience of worry.

fall into a state of anxiety

This phrase emphasizes the condition of being trapped in a state of anxiety.

be overcome with anxiety

This alternative describes a sudden and intense feeling of anxiety.

find oneself anxious

This phrase indicates a realization of being in an anxious state.

FAQs

How can I use "become anxious" in a sentence?

"Become anxious" is used to describe the process of starting to feel worried or nervous. For example: "As the exam approached, students "became anxious" about their grades."

What are some alternatives to "become anxious"?

You can use alternatives like "start to worry", "grow uneasy", or "feel apprehensive" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "become anxious" and "be anxious"?

"Become anxious" describes the process of starting to feel anxious, while "be anxious" describes a state of already feeling anxious. For example, "She "became anxious" as she waited for the results" (process), vs. "She "was anxious" about the results" (state).

Is it correct to say "becoming anxious"?

Yes, "becoming anxious" is the present participle form, often used in continuous tenses to describe an ongoing process. For instance: "He is "becoming anxious" as the deadline nears."