getting worried

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting worried" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a feeling of concern or anxiety about a situation or person. Example: "I am getting worried about the upcoming deadline and whether we will complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

My parents are getting worried.

The New Yorker

"I was getting worried.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Investors are getting worried.

The Guardian

D: I'm getting worried.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But he must be getting worried.

The Economist

Just when I was really getting worried.

The New York Times

August is nearly over and I am getting worried.

Independent

But now secular Turkey is getting worried again.

The Economist

But here at guardian.co.uk/music we're getting worried.

The Guardian - Music

I was getting worried, but it got better, too".

The New York Times - Magazine

"I'm getting worried about that prediction now," he said.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting worried" to describe a developing state of concern, often in response to specific events or circumstances. This emphasizes the process of becoming anxious, rather than a static state.

Common error

While "getting worried" is widely understood, in formal or professional writing, consider using more nuanced alternatives like "growing concerned" or "becoming apprehensive" to convey a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

Function: "Getting worried" functions as a verb phrase expressing a dynamic state of increasing anxiety or concern. Ludwig AI shows it is used to describe the process of someone becoming anxious about a situation, event, or person. The phrase highlights a transition from a state of calmness to one of worry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "getting worried" is a commonly used phrase to describe a developing state of concern or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be suitable for professional or academic settings. The phrase emphasizes the process of becoming anxious, distinguishing it from a static state of worry. When writing, remember to use "getting worried" to convey a developing sense of unease, and consider the context to choose the most appropriate alternative if a more formal tone is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming anxious

Focuses on the process of transitioning into an anxious state, rather than the specific emotion of worry.

growing concerned

Highlights a gradual increase in concern, suggesting a more measured reaction.

starting to fret

Emphasizes a more agitated or nervous form of worry.

feeling apprehensive

Indicates a sense of unease about future events.

developing anxiety

Suggests a more significant and potentially prolonged state of anxiety.

becoming uneasy

Implies a general discomfort or lack of peace of mind.

getting stressed

Highlights the build-up of stress, a broader concept that includes worry.

experiencing unease

Focuses on the subjective feeling of unease rather than the cause.

losing sleep over

This idiomatic phrase emphasizes the intensity of worry, suggesting it's affecting one's rest.

having concerns

A more general expression of worry, suitable for formal contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "getting worried" in a sentence?

You can use "getting worried" to describe a developing state of concern. For example, "I am getting worried about the upcoming deadline", or "Investors are getting worried about the economic downturn".

What are some alternatives to "getting worried"?

Alternatives include "becoming anxious", "growing concerned", or "starting to fret" depending on the context.

Is "getting worried" formal or informal?

"Getting worried" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but more formal alternatives like "growing concerned" might be preferred in professional writing.

What's the difference between "getting worried" and "being worried"?

"Getting worried" implies a process of becoming concerned, while "being worried" describes a current state of concern. For example, "I am getting worried about the storm" suggests the worry is developing, whereas "I am worried about the storm" indicates an existing state of worry.