develop anxiety

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "develop anxiety" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of experiencing or increasing feelings of anxiety over time. Example: "Many students may develop anxiety as they approach exam season, leading to stress and performance issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Are those who are generally quite anxious more likely to develop anxiety disorders?

The Guardian

Even those with a neurological disorder can develop anxiety that makes the problem worse, said Robert Bell, a sports psychologist at Ball State University who specializes in golf.

The New York Times - Sports

A 2007 study in Scientific American reported that people who are chronically bored are more likely to develop anxiety and perform poorly at work.

The New Yorker

The same report also reveals that sanctions have a negative impact on people's mental health, both for those who are already mentally ill and for others who develop anxiety or depression.

The Guardian - Opinion

Kluger tells us that one scientist discovered that less-favored siblings were "more likely to develop anxiety, low self-esteem and depression"; another, that children of divorce were likely to be unhappier than children of the happily married.

The New York Times - Books

Individuals who were bullied frequently were nearly twice as likely to be suffering from depression at the age of 45, and were also more likely to develop anxiety disorders and suicidal thoughts.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Many women develop anxieties about reaching orgasm with their partners, which only makes it that much harder to have a good time.

Huffington Post

In agreement with previous findings, SHR did not develop anxiety-like behaviour in response to the chronic mild stress of maternal separation [ 39].

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Over the summer of 2015, I developed anxiety issues.

The Guardian - Books

Everyone who has chronic pain eventually develops anxiety and depression.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was approaching 40 and developing anxiety problems.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the onset of anxiety, consider the specific triggers or circumstances that lead someone to "develop anxiety". Provide context to enhance the reader's understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "develop anxiety" when you simply mean someone is experiencing anxiety at a particular moment. "Develop anxiety" implies a process or progression over time, not just a fleeting feeling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop anxiety" functions as a verb phrase where "develop" acts as a transitive verb taking "anxiety" as its direct object. This construction indicates the process or onset of experiencing anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

43%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "develop anxiety" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to describe the onset or progression of anxious feelings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for describing a process rather than a fleeting emotion. It appears frequently in both scientific and news contexts, suggesting a neutral register. When writing about anxiety, remember to consider the specific context and triggers that lead individuals to "develop anxiety", as this will help you to construct more relevant and understanding statements. Common errors include using this phrase when a momentary sensation of anxiety is more adequate instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experience anxiety

Focuses on the subjective feeling of anxiety, rather than the process of its development.

suffer from anxiety

Highlights the negative impact and distress caused by anxiety.

become anxious

Emphasizes the change in state to feeling anxious.

acquire anxiety

Suggests that anxiety is obtained or gained, as if it were an external thing.

be prone to anxiety

Highlights a predisposition or tendency to experience anxiety.

fall victim to anxiety

Implies that anxiety is a negative force that one succumbs to.

exhibit anxiety

Focuses on observable signs and behaviors associated with anxiety.

manifest anxiety

Highlights the outward display or expression of anxiety.

show signs of anxiety

Focuses on indicating the presence of anxiety through various indicators.

struggle with anxiety

Emphasizes the ongoing effort to manage or cope with anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "develop anxiety" in a sentence?

Use "develop anxiety" to describe a gradual increase in anxious feelings. For example: "Children from stressful home environments are more likely to "develop anxiety"."

What's the difference between "develop anxiety" and "experience anxiety"?

"Develop anxiety" indicates a process, suggesting the anxiety emerges and grows over time. "Experience anxiety" simply refers to having anxious feelings at a particular point, with no implication of development.

What can I say instead of "develop anxiety"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "become anxious", "experience anxiety", or "suffer from anxiety".

Is it better to say "develop anxiety" or "develop an anxiety disorder"?

"Develop anxiety" is a general statement about increasing anxious feelings. "Develop an anxiety disorder" refers to meeting specific diagnostic criteria for a recognized mental health condition.