i started to worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started to worry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a shift in your emotional state, particularly when you begin to feel concern or anxiety about a situation. Example: "As the deadline approached and I hadn't received any updates, I started to worry about the project's progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Now, I started to worry.

The New York Times

But then I started to worry.

The New York Times - Travel

It was then that I started to worry.

The New York Times

Immediately, I started to worry about my children.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then I started to worry that I was being underpaid.

The New York Times - Tech

But I started to worry that she would not like it.

The New Yorker

However, I started to worry about what such a machine could not do.

The New Yorker

I started to worry when my gran made me a cup of tea with dishwasher tablets.

Independent

I started to worry that I had developed some kind of mental illness.

Independent

I started to worry about what my friends would find if they searched my name online.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Then I start to worry a little that there is no door".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I started to worry" to indicate the initial moment when concern or anxiety began. It is effective for narrating personal experiences or describing emotional shifts in a story.

Common error

While grammatically correct, avoid using "I started to worry" excessively in formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports. Opt for more precise and professional language to convey concern, such as "I became concerned" or "I developed reservations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started to worry" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating the commencement of a state of worry or anxiety. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The subject, "I", experiences a shift in emotional state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I started to worry" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the beginning of a state of concern or anxiety. As Ludwig confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While perfectly acceptable for general use, it is crucial to consider the formality of your writing. In more formal situations, alternatives like "I became concerned" or "I grew apprehensive" might be more suitable. Remember to leverage this phrase effectively in personal narratives and informal communications to convey the onset of unease.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I became worried

This phrase is a more simple alternative using the word "worried" as an adjective.

I began to feel anxious

Replaces "started to worry" with a more general term for anxiety.

I grew concerned

Uses "grew" to emphasize a gradual increase in concern.

I started to get anxious

Swaps worry with get anxious.

I became apprehensive

Employs a more formal word, "apprehensive", to express unease.

I started feeling uneasy

Replaces "worry" with "uneasy", suggesting a lack of comfort or peace of mind.

I commenced to worry

Commenced is a more formal alternative to started.

My anxiety began to rise

Focuses on the physical sensation of anxiety increasing.

I found myself worrying

Highlights the involuntary nature of the worrying.

I feared the worst

Expresses a more intense level of worry, implying a negative outcome.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I started to worry" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, you can use phrases like "I became concerned", "I grew apprehensive", or "I began to have reservations". These alternatives offer a more professional tone while conveying the same meaning.

What are some synonyms for "I started to worry" that express a similar sentiment?

Synonyms include "I began to feel anxious", "I "grew concerned"", or "I "became apprehensive"". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "I started to worry" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I started to worry" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English sentence structure and is widely used and accepted.

When is it appropriate to use "I started to worry" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "I started to worry" in personal narratives, informal communications, and situations where a direct, conversational tone is suitable. Avoid it in highly formal or technical writing, where more precise language is preferred.