mounting anxiety

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mounting anxiety" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a growing or increasing sense of worry or unease over time. Example: "As the deadline approached, I felt a mounting anxiety about completing the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You step through it with mounting anxiety.

The Guardian - Arts

This involves mounting anxiety and tension.

The Guardian - Arts

Since then, euphoria has given way to mounting anxiety.

The New York Times

A distant older cousin, Emily, becomes Mynah's emotional Virgil in the time of mounting anxiety.

The Guardian - Books

These developments are viewed by Roma and Sinti people across Europe with mounting anxiety.

The Guardian

Basketball became a dumping ground for her mounting anxiety and frustration.

The New York Times - Sports

But a vague American promise to defend Israel will not quieten mounting anxiety back home.

The Economist

For instance, Dr. Norem explained, a defensive pessimist is likely to approach a coming public speaking engagement with mounting anxiety.

The New York Times - Health

There is mounting anxiety in the US about the incidence of American citizens engaging in jihadist activities.

The Guardian

His words come at a time of mounting anxiety over the refugee crisis in the wake of the Paris attacks.

Independent

But the scale of the downturn in his personal reputation with voters will further swell mounting anxiety among Labour MPs and ministers, especially those defending marginal seats.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mounting anxiety", consider the context and ensure it aligns with a situation where anxiety is progressively increasing. Avoid using it for sudden, acute instances of anxiety, which might be better described with phrases like "sudden panic" or "acute fear".

Common error

Avoid using "mounting anxiety" to describe a constant state of anxiety without progression. For example, instead of saying "He lived with mounting anxiety", which implies the anxiety is always increasing, consider "He lived with constant anxiety" if the anxiety level remains relatively the same over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mounting anxiety" functions as a noun phrase, where 'mounting' acts as a present participle adjective modifying the noun 'anxiety'. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The structure describes a state of increasing worry or unease.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mounting anxiety" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a progressively increasing state of worry or unease. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and appropriate for use in English writing. It appears most commonly in news and media contexts, suggesting its utility in describing developing situations or concerns. When using this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with an actual increase in anxiety rather than a static or sudden onset. Alternatives like "growing apprehension" or "increasing worry" can be used to vary your language while maintaining a similar meaning. While generally neutral to formal, its prevalence in news sources lends it a degree of objectivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasing worry

Focuses on the gradual rise in concern about potential problems.

rising unease

Highlights a developing sense of discomfort or anxiety.

growing apprehension

Emphasizes the increasing fear or expectation of something negative.

developing disquiet

Highlights a gradually forming feeling of anxiety or concern.

escalating concern

Suggests a rapid increase in worry or seriousness.

surging nervousness

Highlights a sudden and strong increase in anxious feelings.

heightening tension

Focuses on the growing strain and pressure caused by anxiety.

intensifying dread

Implies a strengthening feeling of fear about a future event.

accumulating stress

Emphasizes the build-up of mental and emotional strain.

building agitation

Suggests an increase in restlessness and irritability due to anxiety.

FAQs

What does "mounting anxiety" mean?

The phrase "mounting anxiety" refers to a gradually increasing feeling of worry, unease, or nervousness over time. It suggests that the level of anxiety is growing or intensifying.

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

You can use "mounting anxiety" to describe a situation where someone's anxiety is increasing. For example, "As the deadline approached, she felt a "mounting anxiety" about completing the project on time."

What are some alternatives to "mounting anxiety"?

Some alternatives to "mounting anxiety" include "growing apprehension", "increasing worry", or "rising unease". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "mounting anxiety" formal or informal?

"Mounting anxiety" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's frequently used in news articles, academic papers, and everyday conversation.