full of nerves

USAGE SUMMARY

"full of nerves" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in informal contexts. For example, you could say, "I was full of nerves before my job interview."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

I think I smiled, but I was full of nerves.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I feel a little bit full of nerves," Mr. Avila, 43, said in Spanish.

The New York Times

"I ran around like a headless chicken, full of nerves, for two weeks.

The Guardian

Nell, Dan and Charlie are first-year drama students, arriving full of nerves at an exclusive London college to begin their induction into the mysteries of Stanislavsky.

The Guardian - Books

There were various other friends and family members there but, full of nerves and inexperience, I just ploughed on: "Are you sure you don't want your husband here?" This served as the warning shot she needed.

The Guardian

"I was full of nerves," Ms. Watts said, "because I thought, 'Where do I begin this conversation?' I don't want her to relive any of the suffering and pain she's already been through".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

But our feetsies are full of nerve endings just screaming for human contact.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Until what?" I glared at her, but she was so full of nerve and hope that my irritation gave way to tenderness.

The New York Times - Magazine

Our lips are full of nerve endings that are stimulated when you kiss someone, so you get a release of feel-good chemicals in the brain.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The brain is full of nerve bundles, called white matter, which help transmit electrical messages between clumps of gray matter, the tissue that holds neurons.

The New Yorker

All the guerillas died, as did 129 hostages, when commandos stormed the building after pumping it full of nerve gas of a type that to this day has not been made public.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "full of nerves" to describe a state of heightened anxiety or apprehension, especially before an important event or situation. It adds a vivid and relatable dimension to your writing.

Common error

While "full of nerves" is effective, avoid overusing it in a single piece of writing. Vary your descriptions of anxiety with synonyms like "apprehensive", "on edge", or "anxious" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full of nerves" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a subject, typically a person, to describe their emotional state. It indicates a state of heightened anxiety or apprehension. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "full of nerves" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone feeling anxious or apprehensive. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While versatile, its use is most prevalent in news, media, and informal contexts. For enhanced writing, remember to use varied vocabulary and consider the formality of your context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling anxious

Expresses a general state of anxiety, differing from "full of nerves" by using a more direct adjective.

on edge

Suggests a state of heightened alertness and irritability, implying a readiness for something unexpected.

uneasy

Implies a lack of comfort or peace of mind, suggesting a vague sense of disquiet.

apprehensive

Indicates a feeling of worry or unease about something that might happen, focusing on anticipation of a negative outcome.

tense

Describes a state of physical or mental strain, often resulting from stress or anxiety.

agitated

Describes a state of restlessness and unease, often accompanied by physical movements.

jittery

Focuses on the physical manifestation of nervousness, such as trembling or fidgeting.

worried sick

Emphasizes the intensity of worry, suggesting a significant impact on one's well-being.

in a state of trepidation

Uses more formal language to convey a feeling of fear or anxiety about something that might happen.

beset by anxiety

Indicates that someone is severely affected or troubled by feelings of anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "full of nerves" in a sentence?

You can use "full of nerves" to describe someone experiencing heightened anxiety, for example: "Before the presentation, I was "full of nerves"."

What are some alternatives to "full of nerves"?

Alternatives include "feeling anxious", "on edge", or "apprehensive", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "full of nerves" or "anxious"?

Both are correct, but "full of nerves" is more descriptive and informal, while "anxious" is more general. The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What does it mean to be "full of nerves"?

To be "full of nerves" means to be experiencing a state of heightened anxiety, tension, or apprehension, often before a significant event or challenge. It suggests a feeling of unease and anticipation.