bundle of nerves

USAGE SUMMARY

"bundle of nerves" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is anxious or nervous about something. For example, "The day of the big competition, I was a bundle of nerves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I'm a bundle of nerves".

Independent

"I was just a bundle of nerves.

The New York Times - Sports

I was a bundle of nerves".

The New York Times

But I warn you: I'll be a bundle of nerves".

The New Yorker

Our Isis minders are a bundle of nerves.

The Guardian

"I'll be a bundle of nerves, too," I said.

The New Yorker

"How dare you subject that little bundle of nerves to such a strain?" The little bundle of nerves sniffed loudly.

The New Yorker

Security director Patrick Steele was a bundle of nerves.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm a bundle of nerves - this is frankly unbelievable," says Lynn Bashforth.

The Guardian - Sport

I was a bundle of nerves, I wasn't eating or sleeping".

The New York Times - Arts

The other, Anna Rachel Singerr), is a skinny bundle of nerves severely afflicted with psoriasis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bundle of nerves" to vividly describe someone experiencing strong anxiety or nervousness before a significant event, such as a performance, presentation, or competition.

Common error

While effective, avoid using "bundle of nerves" repeatedly in the same piece of writing. Vary your descriptions of anxiety by using synonyms like "anxious", "stressed", or more descriptive phrases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bundle of nerves" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or object complement to describe a person's state of anxiety or nervousness. It's a common idiom, as Ludwig AI confirms, that vividly portrays someone experiencing heightened tension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bundle of nerves" is a common and accepted idiomatic phrase used to describe someone experiencing extreme anxiety or nervousness. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it serves to vividly convey a state of heightened tension. While effective, writers should be mindful of overuse and consider synonyms like "anxious" or "on edge" to add variety. The phrase is generally appropriate for neutral registers, making it suitable for both everyday conversation and journalistic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anxious

Directly describes a state of worry and unease.

on edge

Focuses on the feeling of being restless and apprehensive.

stressed out

Emphasizes the presence of significant stress.

uneasy

Describes a general feeling of discomfort and apprehension.

jittery

Highlights physical manifestations of nervousness.

in a state of agitation

Focuses on a visible state of restlessness and anxiety.

uptight

Indicates a state of tension and rigidity.

keyed up

Implies a heightened state of excitement and tension.

on tenterhooks

Suggests a state of anxious suspense.

frazzled

Suggests being overwhelmed and exhausted due to stress.

FAQs

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

You can use "bundle of nerves" to describe someone who is extremely anxious or nervous. For example, "Before the interview, I was a "bundle of nerves"."

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

While "bundle of nerves" is widely understood, a more formal alternative could be "highly anxious" or "extremely apprehensive". Depending on context, using specific descriptions of anxiety may also be more appropriate.

What can I say instead of "bundle of nerves"?

You can use alternatives like "on edge", "stressed out", or "anxious" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "bunch of nerves" instead of "bundle of nerves"?

While "bundle of nerves" is the more common and idiomatic expression, "bunch of nerves" is understandable and conveys a similar meaning. However, ""bundle of nerves"" is generally preferred.