feel anxious about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel anxious about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a sense of worry or unease regarding a specific situation or topic. Example: "I tend to feel anxious about public speaking, especially when presenting to large audiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many women feel anxious about giving birth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Should we feel anxious about this?

The Guardian

"They feel anxious about trade … about foreign investment, and they feel anxious about foreign investment".

The Guardian

There's lots I feel anxious about at work.

Yale University

And many kids feel anxious about their bodies.

The New York Times - Arts

Half of the population feel anxious about snakes and 2 3% meet the diagnostic criteria for snake phobia.

Psychiatry Research

There is no need to feel anxious about your student visa interview.

The New York Times

It's easy to understand why patients may feel anxious about receiving anti-VEGF injections.

University of California, Berkeley

These days, more than on my previous visits, the Maynards feel anxious about the factory's future.

The New York Times

As universities crack down on plagiarism, some students feel anxious about it.

The Guardian

"I understand that people feel anxious about what is happening in the economy," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "feel anxious about", ensure that the object of your anxiety is clearly specified. For example, "I feel anxious about the upcoming exam" is more effective than simply saying "I feel anxious."

Common error

Avoid using "feel anxious about" without a clear subject. Vague statements lack impact. Instead of saying "I feel anxious", specify what you're anxious about to make your communication more precise and meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel anxious about" functions as a subject complement, describing the emotional state of the subject. It connects a feeling (anxiety) with a specific cause or object. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feel anxious about" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to express worry or unease regarding a specific subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and understandable in written English. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for diverse contexts, from news reports to academic papers and casual conversations. When using "feel anxious about", remember to clearly state the object of your anxiety to ensure effective communication. Consider using alternatives such as "be worried about" or "be concerned about" for variety or to adjust the level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be worried about

Replaces "feel anxious" with a more general term for worry.

be concerned about

Similar to "be worried about", but can imply a more formal or serious tone.

have anxiety regarding

Uses a more formal word, 'anxiety', and 'regarding' in place of 'about'.

be apprehensive about

Suggests a feeling of dread or unease about a future event.

fear for

Implies a concern for the safety or well-being of someone or something.

be uneasy about

Conveys a lack of comfort or peace of mind.

be stressed about

Focuses on the stress induced by the concern.

be nervous about

Highlights the feeling of nervousness or agitation.

dread

A more concise verb expressing intense fear or apprehension.

fret over

Suggests excessive worrying about something, often to a point of agitation.

FAQs

What's a simple way to express worry instead of saying "feel anxious about"?

You can use phrases like "be worried about" or "be concerned about" to convey similar feelings of unease.

Is it correct to say "feel anxious for" instead of "feel anxious about"?

While "feel anxious for" might be used in some contexts, it's more common and grammatically standard to use "feel anxious about" when expressing general worry or unease regarding a specific situation. "Feel anxious for" often implies a sense of longing or anticipation.

How can I use "feel anxious about" in a sentence?

You can use "feel anxious about" to express your worries or concerns regarding something specific. For example, "I feel anxious about the presentation tomorrow", or "Many students "feel anxious about" exams."

What are some more formal alternatives to "feel anxious about"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "have anxiety regarding" or "be apprehensive about". These options add a level of sophistication to your language.