induce anxiety

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "induce anxiety" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing factors or situations that cause or trigger feelings of anxiety in individuals. Example: "The constant pressure to perform well at work can induce anxiety among employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"If they're not ready, you're going to induce anxiety".

The New York Times

I too am now slightly preoccupied by more than just the cricket... Enough to induce anxiety dreams all round.

The Guardian - Sport

Every shake can induce anxiety; that impetus must now be but to good use.

The Economist

Lines, hassles and disembodied announcements like "And remember to put them in a clear, resealable, quart-size plastic bag" induce anxiety.

The New York Times

Instead, leave a "Don't worry about the weather forecast and try to enjoy yourself!"-style comment to induce anxiety and dial down their smugness.

The Guardian

Although symptoms may be mild in some cases, the peculiar qualities of angina pectoris may induce anxiety.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Our tests of social interaction in experiment 1 were conducted in a novel environment, which can induce anxiety-like behavior in rodents [43].

Plosone

Decreased GABAA-receptor clustering, and inactivation of the gene coding for the 5-HT1A receptor have been seen to induce anxiety-like behaviour [35] [39].

Plosone

Efferents from the CeM then go to the periaqueductal gray, brainstem, and hypothalamus and induce anxiety-related behavioral, autonomic and hormonal responses [6], [7].

Plosone

The aim of our study was to use MRI signal to investigate the effect on supraspinal neuronal processing of manipulation of the amygdala via exposure to elevated levels of CORT shown previously to induce anxiety-like behaviors and increase the sensitivity of the colorectum to luminal distension after 7 days.

Plosone

Similarly, MeHg was found to reduce hypothalamic dopamine levels and induce anxiety-like effects in exposed fish [ 55].

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing medical or psychological contexts, using "induce anxiety" can precisely describe how certain substances, conditions, or stimuli lead to anxiety. For instance, "Caffeine may induce anxiety and insomnia."

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences such that the subject receiving the anxiety is unclear. Instead of saying "Anxiety can be induced", specify what is doing the inducing to maintain clarity: "Stressful situations can induce anxiety."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "induce anxiety" functions as a verb phrase where "induce" is the verb and "anxiety" is the direct object. It describes the action of causing or bringing about a state of anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

38%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "induce anxiety" is a grammatically correct and widely used verb phrase that describes the act of causing or triggering anxiety. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for use in written English. It is most commonly found in scientific and news contexts, indicating its relevance in both clinical and general discussions about mental health. While alternatives like "cause anxiety" or "trigger anxiety" exist, "induce anxiety" offers a slightly more formal tone. When using this phrase, be mindful of clarity and specify what is causing the anxiety. By avoiding overuse of the passive voice, you can ensure your writing remains clear and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trigger anxiety

Replaces "induce" with "trigger", focusing on the activation of anxiety.

cause anxiety

Uses a more direct causal verb, "cause", instead of "induce".

provoke anxiety

Substitutes "induce" with "provoke", suggesting a more direct and immediate causation of anxiety.

foster anxiety

Implies a gradual development of anxiety, replacing "induce" with "foster".

generate anxiety

Focuses on the creation of anxiety, swapping "induce" with "generate".

create anxiety

Similar to "generate anxiety", but slightly more direct.

elicit anxiety

Highlights the extraction of anxiety as a response.

instigate anxiety

Emphasizes the initiation of anxiety.

bring about anxiety

Uses a phrasal verb to convey the causation of anxiety.

give rise to anxiety

Suggests that something leads to anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "induce anxiety" in a sentence?

You can use "induce anxiety" to describe actions or situations that cause anxiety. For example, "Loud noises can induce anxiety in some individuals."

What can I say instead of "induce anxiety"?

You can use alternatives like "cause anxiety", "trigger anxiety", or "provoke anxiety" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "cause anxiety" or "induce anxiety"?

"Cause anxiety" is more direct and common, while "induce anxiety" may sound more formal or clinical. Both are correct, but the best choice depends on the tone and context of your writing.

Can certain foods "induce anxiety"?

Yes, certain substances or foods, like caffeine, can "trigger anxiety" or, in more formal terms, induce anxiety in susceptible individuals.