become nervous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become nervous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a change in emotional state, particularly when someone starts to feel anxious or uneasy. Example: "As the deadline approached, I began to become nervous about the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Players become nervous.

The New York Times - Sports

Even Democrats have become nervous.

The New Yorker

On my turn, I become nervous.

Independent

They become nervous in public places.

The New York Times - Health

Sometimes when a business undergoes leadership changes, lenders become nervous.

The New York Times

He added that many children become nervous before a test.

The New York Times

In times of scarcity, people can become nervous and suspicious.

The Guardian - Opinion

The gunmen on Jolo become nervous when soldiers approach.

The Economist

Many of his colleagues in parliament have become nervous, too.

The Economist

Unsecured lenders typically become nervous more easily than those whose loans are secured.

The New York Times

When Abdirahman would become nervous before his big races, he used to call Shay for reassurance.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's internal state in fiction, use "become nervous" to show a gradual shift in their emotional condition due to external pressures or internal thoughts. This can build suspense or reveal vulnerability.

Common error

Avoid using "become nervous" repeatedly in close proximity, as it can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms like "grow anxious" or "start to worry" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become nervous" functions as a verb phrase indicating a change in state. It connects a subject to the adjective "nervous", describing the process of transitioning into a state of anxiety or unease. As Ludwig AI confirms, the structure is grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

18%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become nervous" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that describes the transition into a state of anxiety or unease. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts and registers, particularly in news, general writing, and informal conversations. When writing, consider the subtle nuances of synonyms like "grow anxious" or "start to worry" to enhance precision. Avoiding overuse and varying your language can improve the overall impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel uneasy

Describes a general sense of discomfort or disquiet.

grow anxious

Emphasizes a gradual increase in anxiety.

get apprehensive

Highlights a feeling of foreboding or unease about future events.

get on edge

Implies a heightened state of alertness and tension.

start to worry

Focuses on the inception of worry, a component of nervousness.

get stressed

Emphasizes the experience of stress, which can lead to nervousness.

develop anxiety

Indicates the onset of a more persistent state of anxiety.

become agitated

Focuses on increased restlessness or irritation.

grow restless

Describes an inability to stay still or relaxed due to nervousness.

turn skittish

Describes a state of being easily frightened or startled.

FAQs

What situations typically cause someone to "become nervous"?

People "become nervous" in various situations, such as before public speaking, during job interviews, or when facing uncertainty. The specific triggers depend on individual sensitivities and past experiences.

What can I say instead of "become nervous"?

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

Is it grammatically correct to say "become nervous"?

Yes, "become nervous" is grammatically correct. "Become" functions as a linking verb, connecting the subject to the adjective "nervous", which describes the state of being.

What's the difference between "become nervous" and "being nervous"?

"Become nervous" indicates a transition into a state of nervousness, whereas "being nervous" describes an existing state. For example, "I become nervous before exams" suggests a change, while "I am nervous about the presentation" describes a current feeling.