fret

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "fret" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb meaning to worry and feel anxious about something. For example, "I'm starting to fret about my midterms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is Labour that might have cause to fret.

The Guardian

The souls of Bulawayo or Lahiri or Ozeki surely don't fret in the shadow of London middle-class English.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Africans, especially those living abroad, fret about the perception of their continent and its inhabitants because their future often depends on the opinions of those in whose country they reside.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some even fret that it could open the door to privatisation by allowing, for example, US health companies to run parts of Britain's publicly owned National Health Service.

The Guardian - Business

But McDonald's needn't fret: people have said that about Ronald McDonald for years, and they're definitely wrong.

The Guardian - Business

Critics fret that it would bypass national laws and subjugate the interest of governments to those of big business.

The Guardian - Business

An inquisitive teenager in the 1960s might fret with his parents over the shedding of fleets and factories, but he was much more likely to be lost in Tolkien, CND or the Beatles' new LP.

The Guardian - Opinion

They're still away at the moment and even if they are caught I wouldn't fret.

The Guardian - Sport

I've seen a lot of politicians fall back on strict routines, get obsessive about wellbeing, fret about functions they shouldn't be in, hide their moments of leisure time, lose basic social skills – all in the quest to keep themselves afloat.

The Guardian

But while the adults in Sam's life fret about what's best to do for him, he sees this as our problem.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Usually, tax collections rise more slowly than the broader economy.Many economists fret about an unpleasant scenario in 2011, when the stream of stimulus money will ebb, reserves will have been drained and revenues will still be meagre.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fret" when you want to express a feeling of anxiety or concern, often about something that may or may not happen. It is suitable for conveying a sense of unease or worry, particularly in situations where the outcome is uncertain.

Common error

While "fret" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "be concerned" or "be apprehensive" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "fret" functions primarily as an intransitive verb, denoting a state of worry or anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, it aligns with standard grammatical rules and expresses a common emotional state, exemplified in contexts of personal concern and broader societal issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fret" is a versatile verb used to express worry or anxiety, commonly appearing in news, business, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. While widely accepted, it's advisable to use more formal synonyms in professional writing. Remember that while it is good to express yourself, excessive worrying might cause you to "fret" unnecessarily!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worry

A general term for feeling uneasy or anxious.

be anxious

Implies a state of unease and apprehension.

be concerned

Suggests a level of care and thoughtfulness about something.

be apprehensive

Highlights a feeling of dread or fear about a future event.

be uneasy

Conveys a mild sense of discomfort or anxiety.

be agitated

Suggests a state of being disturbed or stirred up emotionally.

stew

Implies dwelling on something with anxiety.

fuss

Suggests excessive concern over trivial matters.

agonize

Implies prolonged and intense mental suffering.

brood

Suggests a state of deep, often gloomy, thought or worry.

FAQs

How to use "fret" in a sentence?

You can use "fret" to express worry or anxiety about something. For example, "Don't "fret" about the small details; focus on the bigger picture."

What can I say instead of "fret"?

You can use alternatives like "worry", "be anxious", or "be concerned" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "fret" or "fret out"?

"Fret" is typically used on its own to mean worry. While "fret out" might be used informally, it's less common and can sound awkward. Stick to ""fret"" for clearer communication.

What's the difference between "fret" and "stress"?

"Fret" often implies a more specific, sometimes needless, anxiety about something, while "stress" generally describes a state of mental or emotional strain caused by adverse circumstances. You might "fret" about an upcoming exam, but experience "stress" from juggling multiple responsibilities.