i started worrying

USAGE SUMMARY

"I started worrying" is a perfectly grammatical and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling or reaction to something. For example, "I started worrying when I realized I was late for the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

I started worrying.

The New York Times - Health

But soon, I started worrying about my family.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's when I started worrying, when people began noticing".

The New York Times

I started worrying about whether I'd ever box again.

The Guardian - Sport

But when you actually announced the rally nine days later, I started worrying.

The Washington Post

That was the point at which I started worrying about my — telling my friends I was having a midlife crisis.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

"If I start worrying about what I say, people will pick it up in a minute.

The New York Times

If I get the slightest headache - anything like that - I start worrying.

The Guardian

In fact, it's when she tells me not to worry that I start worrying in earnest.

The Guardian

"If I start worrying about stuff like that, I'm not going to be able to perform," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

When I start worrying about how I'm going to get home, cab or subway, that's when I cut myself off.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I started worrying" to clearly indicate the point at which your concern began. This provides a timeline and context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "I started worrying" when a stronger emotion is more appropriate. If you experienced fear or panic, use more descriptive language to accurately convey the intensity of your feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started worrying" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating the subject's (I) initiation of a state of worry. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I started worrying" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that effectively communicates the onset of concern or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While generally neutral in register, its usage is particularly frequent in news and media contexts. When aiming for greater formality, consider alternatives like "I grew concerned". As demonstrated by the numerous examples found by Ludwig, the phrase serves to provide context and a timeline when narrating experiences involving worry. Therefore, remember that while the phrase is correct and frequently used, more precise terms may exist to describe exactly the kind of concern and anxiety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I grew concerned

Uses "concerned" for a slightly more formal and mild expression of worry.

I began to fret

Replaces "worrying" with "fret", indicating a more anxious state.

I started to get anxious

Adds "to get" to emphasize the process of becoming anxious.

I became anxious

Substitutes "worrying" with "anxious", suggesting a stronger emotional response.

My worries began

Shifts the focus to the emergence of worries as a concept.

I started to have doubts

Focuses on the emergence of doubts as a source of worry.

I felt unease creep in

Uses a more metaphorical expression for the onset of worry.

Alarm bells started ringing

Employs a figurative expression for the sudden onset of concern.

My heart began to race

Highlights the physical symptoms associated with starting to worry.

Concern washed over me

Depicts concern as an overwhelming feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "I started worrying" in a sentence?

You can use "I started worrying" to describe the moment you began to feel concerned or anxious about something. For instance, "I started worrying when the plane began to shake violently".

What's a more formal alternative to "I started worrying"?

A more formal alternative is "I grew concerned", which conveys a similar meaning but with slightly more distance and professionalism.

How does "I started worrying" differ from "I was worried"?

"I started worrying" pinpoints the beginning of your worry, while "I was worried" describes a state of worry without specifying when it began.

Is it correct to say "I began worrying" instead of "I started worrying"?

Yes, "I began worrying" is grammatically correct and virtually interchangeable with "I started worrying". Both indicate the commencement of worry.