has been worrying

USAGE SUMMARY

"has been worrying" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is the present perfect continuous tense of the verb "worry" and is used to describe an action that started in the past and is still ongoing. Example: "She has been worrying about her upcoming exams for weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

No doubt, his rhetoric has been worrying.

The Guardian - Opinion

If this has been worrying you, stop worrying.

The New York Times - Magazine

Everyone has been worrying whether the acoustics would be any good.

The New Yorker

The IMF has been worrying about Russia's capacity to set and meet realistic fiscal targets.

The Economist

Virtually every Fed official has been worrying aloud about rising prices.

The Economist

He has been worrying about Sherwood's play ever since it went into rehearsal in August.

The New Yorker

Over the same period, Mr. Robison has been worrying about an ill-informed rush to judgment.

The New York Times

Economist Jared Bernstein has been worrying about inequality since way before worrying about inequality was cool.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

But Kahle has been worried about this problem all along.

The New Yorker

Roddick has been worried about a friend of his.

The New York Times - Sports

Ron Paul has been worried about how our guts are perceived!

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been worrying", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the worry and who is experiencing it. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "has been worrying" when the worrying has ceased. Use "was worrying" or "had been worrying" if the concern is no longer present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been worrying" functions as the present perfect continuous tense of the verb "worry". It describes an ongoing state of concern or anxiety that began in the past and persists into the present. Ludwig examples provide various contexts, showcasing its versatility in expressing sustained worry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been worrying" is a versatile phrase used to express a continuous state of concern or anxiety that started in the past and continues into the present. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently found in news, scientific, and formal contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is essential to precisely communicate the source and subject of the worry. While alternatives exist, understanding the nuance differences is important for accurate writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been concerning

Focuses on the cause of worry rather than the act of worrying.

has been troubling

Implies a disruption to peace of mind, suggesting a deeper, more persistent worry.

has been anxious about

Highlights the feeling of anxiety and nervousness related to a specific concern.

has been concerning itself with

Indicates a focus of attention and effort on a particular issue, implying worry through action.

has been apprehensive about

Emphasizes a sense of foreboding or fear about something that is about to happen.

has been preoccupied with

Suggests that worry has consumed one's thoughts, leading to inattentiveness to other matters.

has been disturbed by

Suggests a feeling of unease and agitation caused by something unsettling.

has been agitated by

Implies a state of heightened nervousness and restlessness due to worry.

has been exercised about

Indicates significant thought and worry given to a particular issue.

has been consumed by

Conveys a sense of being completely overwhelmed and preoccupied by worry.

FAQs

How can I use "has been worrying" in a sentence?

"Has been worrying" indicates a continuous action that started in the past and continues into the present. For example, "She "has been worrying" about the presentation all week".

What are some alternatives to saying "has been worrying"?

You can use phrases like "has been concerning", "has been troubling", or "has been bothering" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "has been worrying" in formal writing?

Yes, "has been worrying" is grammatically correct and can be used in formal writing. However, consider the specific context and whether a more precise or formal alternative might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "has been worrying" and "was worrying"?

"Has been worrying" implies the worry started in the past and continues to the present, while "was worrying" suggests the worry occurred at a specific time in the past and may or may not be ongoing. The first can continue to be active now.