but I worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but I worry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a concern or apprehension about a situation or outcome. Example: "I appreciate your optimism about the project, but I worry that we might not meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But I worry".

The New York Times

But I worry about our virtual blinders.

The New York Times

But I worry about you, Fred.

The New Yorker

But I worry about the smell.

The New York Times

But I worry a bit sometimes.

The New Yorker

But I worry a lot.

The Guardian

But I worry even more about another 9/11.

The New York Times

But, I worry I'm too old for him.

The New York Times

David: But I worry about the proposal's prospects in Congress.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

But I worried.

The New York Times

But I worried about [my translator-guides].

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but I worry" to introduce a specific concern after acknowledging a positive aspect or statement. This creates a balanced and thoughtful tone.

Common error

Avoid using "but I worry" repeatedly in a short space. Vary your language by using synonyms like "I'm concerned", "my concern is", or "I'm anxious" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but I worry" functions as a conjunction phrase that introduces a statement of concern or apprehension, often following a contrasting statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but I worry" serves as a common and grammatically correct way to introduce a concern or apprehension, often following a contrasting statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and useful expression in English writing. It is used across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, varying your language with synonyms like "however I'm concerned" can improve your writing. Using "but I worry" effectively involves placing it after acknowledging a positive aspect and avoiding overuse in close proximity. The phrase is considered to have a neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but my concern is

Focuses directly on the "concern", providing a more direct expression of worry.

still, I'm anxious

Employs "anxious" to convey a sense of unease or nervousness.

however, I'm concerned

Replaces "worry" with the more formal "concerned", slightly altering the tone.

while I have reservations

Indicates a sense of hesitancy or doubt, suggesting worry about certain aspects.

nonetheless, I'm apprehensive

Substitutes "worry" with "apprehensive", indicating a feeling of anxiety about the future.

even so, I'm uneasy

Replaces "worry" with "uneasy", suggesting a feeling of discomfort or restlessness.

yet, I have misgivings

Uses "misgivings" to express a stronger sense of doubt or apprehension.

though, I'm doubtful

Expresses a lack of certainty or conviction, implying worry about potential negative outcomes.

despite that, I'm skeptical

Conveys a feeling of doubt or disbelief, implying worry about the validity or reliability of something.

nevertheless, I'm fearful

Uses "fearful" to indicate a stronger emotion of fear or dread.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "but I worry"?

You can use alternatives like "however I'm concerned", "yet I have misgivings", or "but my concern is" depending on the context.

How to use "but I worry" in a sentence?

Use "but I worry" to express a concern or apprehension, typically following a statement of agreement or understanding. Example: "I appreciate your optimism about the project, but I worry that we might not meet the deadline."

Is "but I worry" formal or informal?

"But I worry" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "however I'm concerned" might be preferable in highly formal settings.

What's the difference between "but I worry" and "but I'm concerned"?

While both express concern, "but I'm concerned" can sound slightly more formal and direct than "but I worry". The choice depends on the desired tone and context of your writing or speech.