becoming anxious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "becoming anxious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a gradual increase in feelings of anxiety or nervousness in a person. Example: "As the deadline approached, I found myself becoming anxious about the outcome of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mr. Schwartz is becoming anxious.

The New York Times

The Syrians, becoming anxious, had resorted to this device.

The New Yorker

After two hours had gone by, management was becoming anxious.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm becoming anxious that my normal home counties lifestyle is under threat," Steve thought.

The Guardian

As openings in other schools grow scarce, parents are becoming anxious.

The New York Times

Stay Calm … You probably are becoming anxious as some of your classmates receive decisions about early applications.

The New York Times

The study showed that genetic factors were not the main driver for the children of anxious parents becoming anxious themselves.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

— Jessie Brumfiel Stay Calm … You probably are becoming anxious as some of your classmates receive decisions about early applications.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

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

BMJ Open

First, he knows that people are sick of constant change and complexity in the energy industry, are anxious about it, and are very susceptible to becoming more anxious.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mexicans who move to the United States adapt, becoming more anxious.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "becoming anxious" to describe a gradual onset of anxiety, rather than a sudden event. It suggests a process or a developing feeling.

Common error

Avoid using "becoming anxious" when you mean someone is already in a state of anxiety. "Becoming anxious" describes the transition into that state, not the state itself. Use "is anxious" to describe the current state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "becoming anxious" functions as a linking verb ("becoming") followed by an adjective ("anxious"). It describes a gradual transition into a state of anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "becoming anxious" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a gradual increase in feelings of worry or unease. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. It is appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news reports and scientific articles to casual conversations. The analysis reveals that while alternatives like "growing worried" or "getting apprehensive" exist, "becoming anxious" is a versatile and widely understood phrase. Pay attention to using "becoming anxious" to describe the transition into that state, and not the state itself.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

growing worried

Uses "worried" instead of "anxious", focusing on the concern aspect.

getting apprehensive

Employs "apprehensive", suggesting a more formal and cautious tone.

starting to worry

Indicates the initial stage of worry, simpler and more direct.

turning uneasy

Highlights the feeling of discomfort and lack of peace.

developing anxiety

Focuses on the development of anxiety as a condition.

feeling stressed

Highlights the sensation of mental and emotional strain.

becoming stressed out

Uses "stressed out", expressing a more intense form of stress.

getting nervous

Replaces "anxious" with "nervous", suggesting a more jittery feeling.

spiraling into anxiety

Expresses the sensation of entering a state of anxiety.

descending into anxiety

Suggests a gradual decline into a state of anxiety.

FAQs

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

You can use "becoming anxious" to describe a gradual increase in anxiety. For example, "As the deadline approached, I started "becoming anxious" about the project's outcome."

What's a more formal way to say "becoming anxious"?

A more formal alternative to "becoming anxious" is "getting apprehensive". This phrase conveys a similar meaning with a more serious tone.

Is there a difference between "becoming anxious" and "is anxious"?

Yes. "Becoming anxious" describes the process of starting to feel anxious, while "is anxious" describes the state of already feeling anxious.

What are some common triggers for "becoming anxious"?

Common triggers include stressful events, looming deadlines, uncertainty, and significant life changes. Recognizing your triggers can help you manage your anxiety.