bunch of nerves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bunch of nerves" is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase is often used to describe someone who is feeling uneasy or anxious about something. For example: "I always get a bunch of nerves before taking a big exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I'm a bunch of nerves.

The New York Times

No wonder he was a bunch of nerves.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We've been through a whole bunch of nerve-racking games," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

A bunch of raw nerves.

The Guardian - Film

By the time they were done I'd lost a bunch of tissue, nerves, and muscles and the ability to actually stand up.

Vice

A lot of nerves.

The New York Times

If you become quickly intoxicated and end up slamming back a bunch of drinks to ease your nerves, or if you're just a "thirsty drinker," it can be very helpful to slow down and make each drink last longer.

WikiHow

She wasn't the best singer of the bunch, and her nerves definitely got the best of her in places, but her rendition of Bonnie Rait's "Something To Talk About" had a sweet melody.

Huffington Post

A sign of nerves?

The New York Times

Severed bundles of nerves.

Vice

A bundle of nerves.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bunch of nerves" to vividly describe someone's state of anxiety or nervousness, especially before a significant event or under pressure.

Common error

Avoid using "bunch of nerves" to describe mild anticipation. Reserve it for situations where the anxiety is palpable and significantly affecting the person.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bunch of nerves" functions as a noun phrase that typically describes a state of heightened anxiety or nervousness in a person. The Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing someone's emotional state.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bunch of nerves" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a state of high anxiety or nervousness. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's relatively rare and leans towards informal usage. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase effectively communicates the intensity of someone's emotional state before a stressful situation. For more formal settings, consider alternatives such as "heightened anxiety" or a "state of agitation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bundle of anxiety

Replaces "nerves" with "anxiety", emphasizing the anxious feeling more directly.

mass of tension

Substitutes "nerves" with "tension", highlighting the physical sensation of stress.

collection of worries

Focuses on the mental aspect by replacing "nerves" with "worries".

state of agitation

Uses a more formal tone to describe the restless and uneasy feeling.

ball of stress

Employs a more figurative expression, comparing the feeling to a compressed "ball of stress".

highly strung

A idiomatic phrase that means someone is very easily upset and anxious.

on edge

Indicates a state of being nervous and easily irritated.

anxious wreck

Emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the anxiety.

aflutter with apprehension

Describes a state of nervousness and excitement.

quivering with fear

Highlights the fear component of being nervous.

FAQs

How can I use "bunch of nerves" in a sentence?

You can use "bunch of nerves" to describe someone feeling extremely anxious. For example: "Before the presentation, I was a real "bunch of nerves"."

What's a more formal way to say "bunch of nerves"?

More formal alternatives include "state of anxiety", "high-strung", or "considerable apprehension". These options are better suited for professional or academic contexts.

Is "bunch of nerves" an appropriate phrase to use in professional writing?

While understandable, "bunch of nerves" is generally considered informal. Opt for alternatives such as "heightened anxiety" or "considerable stress" in professional settings.

What's the difference between "bundle of nerves" and "bunch of nerves"?

Both "bunch of nerves" and "bundle of nerves" are used to describe someone who is very nervous or anxious. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, as they carry nearly identical meanings.