grew concerned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grew concerned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a gradual increase in worry or anxiety about a situation or person. Example: "As the deadline approached, she grew concerned about the project's progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Loved ones grew concerned.

The New York Times

Even Mr. Mundus grew concerned.

The New York Times

Some who heard Mr. Shalom grew concerned.

The New York Times

Her mother grew concerned enough to ask pointed questions.

The New York Times - Health

When 30 minutes came and went, Mr. Arellano grew concerned.

The New York Times

Regulators soon grew concerned about the bank's credit quality.

The New York Times

Green groups grew concerned over poverty, and development charities waxed lyrical about greenery.

The Economist

Haney grew concerned about Woods's workouts and his focus on weight lifting.

The New York Times - Sports

One person who received the e-mail grew concerned and called 911.

The New York Times

Governments quickly grew concerned about the size of their budget deficits and cut public investment.

The Guardian - Business

When Ziglar heard proposals for mass sweeps in Muslim communities like Dearborn, Mich., he grew concerned.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grew concerned" to describe a gradual increase in worry over time, rather than a sudden onset of fear. This phrasing suggests a developing sense of unease based on unfolding events or observations.

Common error

Avoid using "grew concerned" to describe situations of immediate or sudden fright. This phrase implies a gradual build-up of worry. For sudden fear, use alternatives like "was startled" or "became frightened."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grew concerned" functions as a verb phrase indicating a gradual increase in worry or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, showcasing its role in describing a progressive emotional state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "grew concerned" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that effectively conveys a gradual increase in worry or anxiety. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is widespread across various contexts, especially in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, writers should be mindful of using it to describe a gradual process rather than a sudden onset of fear. Alternatives like "became worried" or "started worrying" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became worried

Replaces "grew" with "became", indicating a change of state into a worried condition.

started worrying

Uses a continuous verb form to emphasize the beginning of the worrying process.

began to worry

Similar to "started worrying" but with a slightly more formal tone.

became anxious

Substitutes "concerned" with "anxious", highlighting a state of unease.

felt uneasy

Emphasizes the feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

developed concerns

Highlights the emergence of specific concerns.

had misgivings

Indicates feelings of doubt or apprehension.

took fright

A more dramatic and less common expression of becoming scared.

was alarmed

Signifies a sudden feeling of fear or anxiety.

sensed trouble

Indicates a feeling that something negative is about to happen.

FAQs

What does "grew concerned" mean?

The phrase "grew concerned" describes a gradual increase in worry or anxiety about a particular situation or person. It suggests a developing sense of unease over time.

What can I say instead of "grew concerned"?

You can use alternatives like "became worried", "started worrying", or "began to worry" depending on the context.

How do I use "grew concerned" in a sentence?

You can use "grew concerned" to describe a person or group's increasing anxiety about something. For example, "As the deadline approached, the team grew concerned about the project's progress."

Is "grew concerned" formal or informal?

"Grew concerned" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal writing. However, more formal alternatives like "developed concerns" may be more appropriate in certain contexts.