consumed by worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consumed by worry" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone is feeling overwhelmed by worry or anxiety. For example: "The parents were consumed by worry as they waited anxiously for news of their missing child."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Harriet, her mouth a permanent frown, is nearly consumed by worry and fatigue.

The New York Times

But while he takes precautions, like shopping in only certain areas of Karachi, he says he is not consumed by worry.

The New York Times

But it's not just about sadness – for many people their lives are consumed by worry, the worry for their parents, their children and above all the constant worry of money.

The Guardian

SEVERAL days before the New York opening of her racially charged play, "Spinning Into Butter," Rebecca Gilman was sitting in a Manhattan hotel room, preparing to fax some last-minute script changes to Lincoln Center Theater and trying not to become consumed by worry.

The New York Times

Those already a bit high-strung will be consumed by worry and panic after layoffs.

Forbes

Dear Parents, If you have a teen or teens then I am quite confident that you are more than just a little consumed by worry and anxiety.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Halloween is a small indulgence in a life that Ms. Paris, 41, said was consumed by worries — "about the kids, insurance, vacation, school, taxes, the price of gas, everything".

The New York Times

In contrast to the carnival atmosphere of 2009, when people lined the streets night after night in the weeks leading up to the vote, now most potential voters are consumed by worries about the ailing economy, double-digit inflation and the political direction of the Islamic republic.

The New York Times

When dried, they were popularly traded.Doug McClellandVancouver, CanadaMay as well spend it nowSIR – You proffer a practical, material consequence of the belief of many evangelicals in a rapidly approaching end-time: "If it's all going to be consumed by fire...why worry about pollution or climate change?" ("It ain't necessarily so", January 1st).

The Economist

I was less than bitter but more than indifferent, I was consumed by myself and my own worry, hungry for some relief.

Huffington Post

Catherine Kerr, lead author of the new study and director of translational neuroscience for the contemplative studies initiative at Brown University in Providence, in the US, says that when we are depressed, attention is "consumed by negative preoccupations, thoughts and worries".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "consumed by worry", ensure the context clearly indicates what the worry pertains to. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid overusing "consumed by worry" in contexts where mild concern is more appropriate. This phrase conveys a high level of anxiety, so reserve it for situations where the worry is truly overwhelming.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consumed by worry" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating that someone is in a state of being overwhelmed or intensely affected by worry. Ludwig AI examples showcase its usage in news and media to describe characters' internal states.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "consumed by worry" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a state of being overwhelmed by anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples predominantly from News & Media sources. While relatively uncommon, the phrase is best used when describing a significant level of distress, as overuse can diminish its impact. Consider alternatives like "overwhelmed with anxiety" or "engulfed in worry" to fine-tune the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey. The key is to match the intensity of the phrase to the severity of the situation being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overwhelmed with anxiety

Focuses on the feeling of being overpowered by anxiety.

engulfed in worry

Uses 'engulfed' to emphasize the feeling of being completely surrounded by worry.

preoccupied with worry

Highlights the state of having one's thoughts dominated by worry.

beset by worry

Suggests that worry is constantly attacking or troubling the person.

wracked with anxiety

Emphasizes the painful and distressing nature of the anxiety.

gripped by fear

Highlights the intense hold that fear has on someone.

burdened by anxiety

Focuses on the weight and oppressive nature of anxiety.

troubled by concerns

Emphasizes the disturbing and unsettling effect of concerns.

anxious and apprehensive

Combines two adjectives to describe a state of unease and anticipation of negative events.

plagued by fear

Indicates that fear is a persistent and troublesome presence.

FAQs

How can I use "consumed by worry" in a sentence?

You can use "consumed by worry" to describe someone who is overwhelmed by anxiety. For example, "The parents were "consumed by worry" when their child was late coming home".

What are some alternatives to saying "consumed by worry"?

Alternatives include "overwhelmed with anxiety", "engulfed in worry", or "preoccupied with worry", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "consumed with worry" instead of "consumed by worry"?

While "consumed with worry" is understandable, ""consumed by worry"" is the more common and grammatically standard phrasing.

What's the difference between "consumed by worry" and "slightly worried"?

"Consumed by worry" implies a state of being overwhelmed and deeply affected by anxiety, whereas "slightly worried" suggests a mild level of concern. Use ""consumed by worry"" when the anxiety is intense and pervasive.