got very nervous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got very nervous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone experienced a significant amount of anxiety or apprehension. Example: "When she stepped onto the stage to give her speech, she got very nervous and almost forgot her lines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

I got very nervous.

The New York Times

"I got very nervous," Mr. Silverman said.

The New York Times

"People got very nervous," the student said.

The New York Times

When the polls went up like they did, he got very nervous".

The New Yorker

I got very nervous when I had to tell my parents, who are back in Spain.

The Guardian

Horgan is serious for a moment: "I got very nervous about that scene.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Some economists are getting very nervous.

The New York Times

"I'm getting very nervous," she said.

Independent

"Whenever anyone asks me about vision, I get very nervous.

The Economist

I can't drive in traffic – I get very nervous.

The Guardian - Film

"The investment community is getting very nervous about obesity right now".

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the intensity of nervousness, follow "got very nervous" with details about physical symptoms, such as a racing heart or trembling hands.

Common error

While acceptable in general use, consider more precise and sophisticated vocabulary such as "became apprehensive" or "experienced heightened anxiety" in academic papers or formal reports.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got very nervous" functions as a verb phrase, where "got" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective phrase "very nervous". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "got very nervous" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a feeling of heightened anxiety or unease. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While versatile, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts. For more formal settings, alternatives like "became anxious" or "felt apprehensive" may be preferable. Understanding these subtle differences allows for more precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became anxious

Suggests a more gradual onset of nervousness.

felt apprehensive

Implies a sense of foreboding or worry about the future.

grew uneasy

Indicates a developing feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

started to worry

Focuses on the mental aspect of feeling nervous.

was on edge

Suggests a state of heightened tension and alertness.

experienced anxiety

A more clinical or detached way of describing the feeling.

felt stressed

Highlights the pressure and strain associated with nervousness.

became agitated

Implies a more visible and restless state of nervousness.

felt butterflies in my stomach

An idiomatic expression for nervousness, particularly before an event.

was in a state of anxiety

A more formal and descriptive way to express nervousness.

FAQs

How can I use "got very nervous" in a sentence?

You can use "got very nervous" to describe a feeling of anxiety or apprehension in response to a specific event or situation. For example, "I "got very nervous" before my job interview".

What are some alternatives to "got very nervous"?

Some alternatives include "became anxious", "felt apprehensive", or "grew uneasy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "got very nervous", or should I use another phrase?

"Got very nervous" is a perfectly acceptable and common phrase to use in many contexts. However, for more formal writing, consider alternatives like "became anxious" or "felt apprehensive".

What's the difference between "got very nervous" and "felt anxious"?

"Got very nervous" suggests a more sudden onset of anxiety, whereas "felt anxious" can imply a more persistent or general state of unease. The choice depends on the specific situation you are describing.