full of worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "full of worry" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is often used to describe a person or situation that is consumed with anxiety or concern. Example: "As she waited for her test results, Jane's mind was full of worry about the outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"Now, my life is full of worry … I don't like staying here but I have to.

The Guardian

And the Vanquis card is being launched just when Britain's politicians and media are full of worry about soaring consumer debt.

The Economist

He said that the life of a merchant was full of worry, and that the glories of a political life were brief and fleeting.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This rice we have is the best rice ever, yet I'm full of worry," said one farmer, Katsuyuki Kuchiki, who says his family has cultivated grain about 40 miles from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant for nine generations.

The New York Times

But in this time full of worry, he produced Black Blizzard, a story more in line with traditional manga, and soon after developed his gekiga style, and began writing the stories in Push Man and other collections.

The Guardian - Books

"Slam" slides by on its author's enormous charm, however, and on its exploration of some hard-won truths, including this encompassing definition of what adult love really is: a project "full of worry and work and forgiving people and putting up with things and stuff like that".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

You're full of worries when you're young.

The Guardian - Arts

Many nights, Ms. Getz wakes at 3 a.m. full of worries.

The New York Times

She was absolutely devoted to him, her letters to him are full of worries about whether he has got the right clothes and enough to eat," Lyles said.

The Guardian - Arts

Yet more than three years later, America is woefully short of the linguists and "area experts" that it needs.The various inquiries into September 11th are full of worrying statistics.

The Economist

In most cases, these mums are not thinking about the impact absence from school is going to have on their child because their mind is so full of worries about their family being evicted from their homes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "full of worry", ensure that the context clearly indicates the source or cause of the worry for better clarity. For example, instead of saying 'She was full of worry', specify 'She was full of worry about her upcoming exams'.

Common error

Avoid using "full of worry" when a more specific emotion or concern can be identified. Overusing this general phrase can weaken your writing. Consider alternatives like 'anxious about', 'concerned with', or 'fearful of' to provide a more nuanced portrayal of the emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full of worry" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being anxious or concerned. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a person or situation that is consumed with anxiety or concern.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "full of worry" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a state of anxiety or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage. While the phrase is versatile, it's important to consider the context and whether a more specific term might be more appropriate. The examples provided by Ludwig show the phrase appearing in various reliable sources, mainly in "News & Media", demonstrating its widespread understanding and use. Alternatives such as "anxious about" or "concerned with" can be used to refine the specific emotion being described, but "full of worry" remains a useful and widely accepted expression for conveying a general sense of anxiety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consumed with anxiety

This alternative suggests a complete engulfment by anxious feelings, implying a stronger emotional impact than "full of worry".

beset by anxieties

This phrase emphasizes that anxieties are actively troubling the person, portraying an ongoing struggle.

ridden with concern

This implies a deep, pervasive sense of concern that is difficult to shake off.

preoccupied with fears

This alternative highlights the dominant presence of fears in one's thoughts and actions.

anxious and apprehensive

This phrase provides two adjectives to convey the sense of unease and anticipation of negative outcomes.

weighed down by worries

This alternative suggests that worries are a heavy burden, impacting the person's emotional state.

troubled by concerns

This phrase highlights that concerns are actively disturbing or unsettling the person.

in a state of unease

This describes a general condition of being uncomfortable or disturbed, which may or may not be linked to specific worries.

fraught with anxiety

This implies a situation characterized by a high level of anxiety, suggesting a challenging or tense context.

gripped by apprehension

This suggests a strong, controlling feeling of fear or dread about the future.

FAQs

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

You can use "full of worry" to describe someone experiencing significant anxiety or concern about a situation. For example, "The student was "full of worry" before the exam".

What are some alternatives to saying "full of worry"?

Alternatives include "anxious about", "concerned with", or "preoccupied with fears", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "full of worries" instead of "full of worry"?

Both "full of worry" and "full of worries" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Full of worry" suggests a general state of anxiety, while "full of worries" implies the presence of multiple specific concerns. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

What's the difference between "full of anxiety" and "full of worry"?

"Full of anxiety" describes a generalized feeling of unease and apprehension, whereas "full of worry" often implies specific concerns or problems causing that feeling. Anxiety is a broader term while worry tends to be more focused.