increasing worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "increasing worry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a growing sense of concern or anxiety about a particular issue or situation. Example: "The increasing worry among the community about the environmental impact of the new factory has prompted local leaders to take action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The drug could create problems with his blood pressure, an increasing worry as he moved into middle age.

The New Yorker

Youth sports concussion clinics operate at the center of America's heightened awareness and increasing worry about concussions among young athletes.

The New York Times - Sports

– Andrew Williams is a member of the Local Authority Investigation Officers Group An increasing worry is young people not appreciating the dangers of online fraud.

The Guardian

There has been increasing worry that Glencore's effective takeover of Xstrata has left the new company dominated by Glencore directors and executives.

Independent

Territorial disputes in the South China Sea have become an increasing worry for the United States and its allies in the region.

The New York Times

The increasing worry now, from both sides of the Brexit argument, is that Mrs May doesn't actually have a plan at all, and that she is pressing forward into the fog without a clear enough idea of her detailed goals.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The New York meeting takes place amid increasing worries about climate change and in particular about surging carbon dioxide levels, the major cause of global warming.

The Guardian

Leading shares slumped again on increasing worries about economic growth, after a number of poor US corporate updates and further fears about the eurozone.

The Guardian - Business

But the enthusiasm seemed more lukewarm than in previous years, perhaps due to increasing worries about the rouble and the economic situation.

The Guardian

In a sign of increasing worries, senior Tories have recently come to Goldsmith's aid after what has been viewed as a lacklustre campaign.

The Guardian

But economic data, including disappointing job figures in May and dismal housing numbers, are increasing worries that the road to recovery could be rockier than anticipated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "increasing worry" to describe a situation where concern is demonstrably growing over time. It's suitable for contexts where there's evidence of escalating anxiety or apprehension.

Common error

Avoid using "increasing worry" when the concern is constant rather than escalating. If the level of worry has remained consistent over time, consider using phrases like "persistent concern" or "ongoing anxiety" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increasing worry" functions primarily as a noun phrase where "increasing" acts as a gerundive adjective modifying the noun "worry". It highlights a state of concern that is in the process of growing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

36%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "increasing worry" effectively describes a growing sense of concern or anxiety. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted. It's most frequently used in news and scientific contexts, emphasizing its suitability for reporting on developing issues. Alternatives such as "growing concern" or "rising anxiety" offer nuanced ways to express similar sentiments. Remember to reserve "increasing worry" for situations where concern is demonstrably escalating, avoiding its use in static scenarios. This will ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

growing concern

Focuses on the intellectual aspect of worry, implying a reasoned apprehension.

rising anxiety

Emphasizes the emotional and psychological distress associated with worry.

escalating apprehension

Highlights the gradual increase in feelings of unease and dread.

mounting unease

Suggests a gradual accumulation of discomfort and disquiet.

heightened concern

Indicates an elevated level of worry compared to a previous state.

intensifying anxiety

Focuses on the progressive strengthening of anxious feelings.

burgeoning concern

Implies a rapid and vigorous growth of worry.

growing disquiet

Emphasizes the loss of peace and tranquility due to worry.

intensified apprehension

Similar to escalating apprehension, but with a stronger emphasis on intensity.

mounting anxiety

Emphasizes the accumulation of anxious feelings.

FAQs

How can I use "increasing worry" in a sentence?

You can use "increasing worry" to describe a growing sense of concern about a specific issue. For example, "There is "increasing worry" among residents about the rising crime rate."

What are some alternatives to "increasing worry"?

Some alternatives include "growing concern", "rising anxiety", or "escalating apprehension". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "increased worry" instead of "increasing worry"?

Both "increased worry" and "increasing worry" can be correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Increased worry" suggests a worry that has become greater at a specific point in time, while "increasing worry" suggests a worry that is continuously growing.

What's the difference between "increasing worry" and "heightened anxiety"?

"Increasing worry" refers to a gradual escalation of concern, while "heightened anxiety" indicates a state of elevated anxiousness, possibly due to a specific trigger or event.