get nervous

USAGE SUMMARY

'get nervous' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of unease or apprehension, typically when faced with a stressful situation. For example, "I started to get nervous when I saw my interviewer approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He didn't get nervous.

The New York Times - Arts

We all get nervous.

Independent

Does he get nervous?

Independent

They really get nervous".

The New Yorker

"I get nervous.

The New York Times

'I still get nervous.

The Guardian - Sport

"You do get nervous.

The Guardian - Sport

"Some dogs get nervous.

The New York Times

I don't get nervous".

The New York Times

I always get nervous.

The Guardian

"I do get nervous.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get nervous" to describe a temporary state of anxiety or apprehension in response to a specific situation. For example, "I always "get nervous" before giving a presentation".

Common error

Avoid using overly strong intensifiers with "get nervous". Phrases like "very get nervous" or "extremely get nervous" sound awkward. Instead, use adverbs that fit more naturally, such as "get really nervous" or "get quite nervous".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get nervous" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a state or change of state related to feeling anxious or apprehensive. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Examples show its common use in describing reactions to stressful situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Wiki

17%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "get nervous" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the feeling of becoming anxious or apprehensive. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, but also appears in Wiki and Science sources. When writing, it's best to use it to describe temporary states of anxiety and avoid overly strong intensifiers. More formal alternatives like "feel anxious" or "become apprehensive" may be preferred in academic or professional settings. The phrase serves to convey unease and is widely understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become anxious

Focuses more on the process of becoming anxious, emphasizing the transition into a state of worry.

feel apprehensive

Emphasizes a sense of foreboding or unease about something that might happen in the future.

grow uneasy

Highlights the gradual increase of discomfort or worry.

start worrying

Indicates the beginning of a process of worrying, focusing on the mental aspect.

get stressed

Refers to the feeling of being overwhelmed or burdened by pressure, often implying a negative impact on well-being.

become agitated

Suggests a state of restlessness and heightened emotional arousal.

feel jittery

Describes a physical sensation of nervousness, often involving trembling or shaking.

lose composure

Indicates a loss of self-control or emotional stability.

develop anxiety

Implies the formation of anxiety as a more persistent or chronic condition.

experience trepidation

Denotes a feeling of fear or hesitation about doing something.

FAQs

How can I use "get nervous" in a sentence?

You can use "get nervous" to describe the feeling of anxiety or apprehension before an event or in a stressful situation. For example, "I always "get nervous" before a big exam", or "People "get nervous" when they have to speak in public".

What's the difference between "get anxious" and "get nervous"?

"Get nervous" typically refers to a specific, immediate situation causing unease, while "get anxious" can imply a more prolonged or generalized state of worry. Nervousness is often situational; anxiety can be more pervasive.

What are some alternative ways to say "get nervous"?

Alternatives include "become anxious", "feel apprehensive", or "start worrying", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever appropriate to use "get nervous" in formal writing?

While "get nervous" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives such as "feel anxious" or "become apprehensive" might be preferred in academic or professional contexts. The choice depends on the overall tone and audience.