desperately worried

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desperately worried" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is extremely concerned or anxious about something. For example: "I was desperately worried that I wouldn't finish my essay in time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

I'm desperately worried about him, she said.

The Guardian

Naik nods slowly, but looks desperately worried.

The Guardian

We were desperately worried about her and the baby.

The Guardian

She is desperately worried about the current situation, she says.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm desperately worried.' He didn't sleep, he just left me notes.

The New Yorker

People are desperately worried about whether or not they are going to retire with dignity".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"It is desperately worrying.

The Guardian

On the other hand, it's probably not too desperately worrying.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's an issue desperately worrying to coral scientists working on the reef".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Such words offer little reassurance for Catherine Davis, who desperately worries about her son's future.

The Guardian

Organisation spokesperson Laura Woods told me that "it's desperately worrying that some drivers might think it's okay to stop off for a quick drink on their way home, which could easily lead to tragedy".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the intensity of your concern, use "desperately worried" when someone's anxiety is significantly impacting their behavior or decisions. For instance, "She was desperately worried about her son's health, staying up all night to monitor him."

Common error

Avoid using "desperately worried" in highly formal or professional documents where a more measured tone is appropriate. Opt for phrases like "deeply concerned" or "seriously troubled" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desperately worried" functions as a descriptive expression, modifying a subject to indicate a state of extreme anxiety or concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "desperately worried" is a valid and commonly used expression to describe a state of extreme anxiety or concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, especially in News & Media. While versatile, it's advisable to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives like "deeply concerned" in professional or academic settings. Understanding the nuances and appropriate usage of "desperately worried" can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terribly worried

Emphasizes the severity of worry, similar to "desperately", but can imply a lesser degree of hopelessness.

deeply concerned

Focuses on the depth of concern, which might be more formal or considerate than "desperately worried".

extremely anxious

Highlights the anxiety aspect of worry, suitable when physical symptoms are involved.

intensely apprehensive

Suggests a strong feeling of fear or dread about the future.

gravely worried

Implies the worry is serious and weighty, often concerning important matters.

seriously concerned

Indicates a more formal tone and a significant level of worry.

highly stressed

Focuses on the stress induced by worry, suitable for situations causing considerable strain.

incredibly worried

Similar to terribly worried, but could implies a surprise or disbelief.

really worried

Simple and direct expression of concern, lacking the intensity of "desperately".

very anxious

Focuses primarily on anxiety, often applicable in medical or psychological contexts.

FAQs

What does "desperately worried" mean?

It means to be extremely anxious or concerned about something, often to the point where it affects your ability to think or act normally.

What can I say instead of "desperately worried"?

You can use alternatives like "terribly worried", "deeply concerned", or "extremely anxious" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "desperately worried"?

Use "desperately worried" when you want to emphasize the high level of anxiety and concern someone is experiencing. It's suitable for situations where the worry is consuming and impactful.

Is "desperately worried" a formal or informal expression?

It leans towards the neutral to slightly informal side. While widely understood, consider more formal alternatives like "gravely concerned" in professional or academic settings.