grow uneasy

USAGE SUMMARY

"grow uneasy" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of increasing uneasiness or fear. Example: As the night grew darker, I began to grow uneasy about our chances of finding the lost camp.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

If you travel by canoe through the river swamps of Louisiana, you may very well grow uneasy as the sun is going down.

The New Yorker

So in Seahaven, Truman begins to grow uneasy – why is everyone always in the same place at the same time every day?

The Guardian - Film

But when I look into my crystal ball, and project these trends out only a few years, I grow uneasy.

TechCrunch

Players, meanwhile, may grow uneasy about the designer's intentions.

Vice

Towards the end of the year, political and media scrutiny began to grow on Dunstan, who began to grow uneasy in his dealings with the press.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But as months passed, Mr. Barron and Mr. Lederman grew uneasy.

The New York Times

Back in my hotel room, I grew uneasy.

The New York Times - Magazine

The "principals" - the war cabinet - were growing uneasy.

The Guardian

The night grew colder, damper, and darker, and the group around the incinerator fire grew uneasy.

The New Yorker

But, surprisingly, he has also grown uneasy about his own industry and perhaps himself.

The New York Times

Taiwan's presumed protector, America, grew uneasy about where it all might lead.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grow uneasy" to describe a gradual increase in discomfort or apprehension, often in response to unfolding events or realizations. For example, "As the deadline approached, the team began to grow uneasy about meeting their goals."

Common error

Avoid using "grow uneasy" to describe a sudden, sharp spike in fear or anxiety. This phrase implies a gradual increase in discomfort, not an immediate reaction. Instead, use words like "panic", "frighten", or "startle" to describe a sudden feeling of fear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow uneasy" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a sentence. It describes a state of becoming increasingly uncomfortable, anxious, or apprehensive. As Ludwig AI suggests, it denotes a gradual shift in emotional state.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grow uneasy" is a verb phrase used to describe a gradual increase in discomfort or apprehension. While grammatically correct and understandable, its usage is relatively rare, appearing mostly in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity, highlighting its role in expressing a subjective feeling. When writing, remember that "grow uneasy" implies a gradual emotional shift rather than a sudden onset of fear, and consider alternative phrases like "become anxious" or "start to worry" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become anxious

This alternative focuses more on the development of anxiety.

feel apprehensive

This phrase emphasizes the feeling of anticipation of future trouble or unpleasantness.

start to worry

This alternative highlights the beginning of a state of worry.

get concerned

This option shifts the focus to a state of concern.

develop misgivings

This highlights the development of doubts or reservations.

find oneself worried

This phrase emphasizes the subject's realization of their worry.

begin to doubt

This focuses on the emergence of feelings of uncertainty or disbelief.

become skeptical

This alternative emphasizes the development of a questioning attitude.

feel insecure

This focuses on the feeling of lack of confidence and stability.

lose confidence

This phrase emphasizes the reduction or disappearance of self-assurance.

FAQs

How can I use "grow uneasy" in a sentence?

You can use "grow uneasy" to describe a gradual increase in discomfort or apprehension. For instance, "He began to grow uneasy as the meeting dragged on."

What can I say instead of "grow uneasy"?

You can use alternatives like "become anxious", "start to worry", or "feel apprehensive" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "grow uneasy" and "become afraid"?

"Grow uneasy" suggests a gradual increase in discomfort or worry, while "become afraid" implies a more immediate onset of fear. The former is less intense than the latter.

Is it correct to say "grows uneasy" or "grew uneasy"?

Yes, both "grows uneasy" and "grew uneasy" are grammatically correct. "Grows uneasy" is present tense, while "grew uneasy" is past tense. Choose the tense that matches the time frame you're describing.