nervous

USAGE SUMMARY

"nervous" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used word in written English.
You can use it to describe someone feeling anxious or uneasy. For example: "John was feeling very nervous before his job interview."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the cycling sense, "nervous" refers to a vicious spiral in which the entire peloton is aware that the safest place to be is in the front 20 or so – this is a basic racing principle taught at junior level – with the upshot that every team leader with a purpose wants to be in the first 20 riders with as many of their team-mates as can manage it.

The Guardian - Sport

The term "nervous" is on every rider and manager's lips when asked to describe the demands of the early phase of the race, but what they mean is more complex than a few shivers of anticipation at the prospect of a tricky bit of road or two.

The Guardian - Sport

She said they were more nervous about damage to their reputations than workers' rights.

The Guardian

He also acknowledges that the SDLP has suffered from being stereotyped as the Stormont psychiatrist, trying to encourage unionists and republicans alike to analyse their problems as each new nervous breakdown hits the peace process, but sometimes missing out on a share of the glory when the crisis passes.

The Guardian

Miranda Larbi, an MA newspaper journalism student at City University, says: "I'm nervous that in a couple of weeks I won't have my watch in my law exam – and that might cause problems.

The Guardian

The no side headed into spring in nervous mood as polls showed that a larger number of people agreed with Salmond's assessment that they were bluffing.

The Guardian

Better Together, which was conscious that the SNP had spent months marshalling the Scottish government's civil service resources behind the white paper, was nervous that the document could present a substantial threat.

The Guardian

They have to realise that the IRA's armed struggle is over.' Several of Trimble's closest allies were nervous and deeply uncertain about the IRA plan to put arms beyond use and allow international observers to monitor arms dumps.

The Guardian

The best of America was the best of the world … France was a land, England was a people, but America, having about it still that quality of the idea, was harder to utter – it was the graves at Shiloh and the tired, drawn, nervous faces of its great men, and the country boys dying in the Argonne for a phrase that was empty before their bodies withered.

The Guardian - Books

At 1-1, you could see they suddenly became nervous but because we could not get to 2-1, you could not see how they would have responded.

The Guardian - Sport

On a recent Saturday evening, diners included Canberra arts luminaries, athletes from the Australian Institute of Sport and two nervous students on a first date, all of whom lingered well into the night.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's emotional state, use "nervous" to convey anxiety or unease, and follow it with specifics about the cause or manifestation of their nervousness. For example: "He was nervous about the presentation, his hands clammy and his voice trembling."

Common error

While both emotions can manifest similarly, "nervous" implies anxiety or apprehension, whereas excitement implies anticipation and eagerness. Avoid using "nervous" when the context clearly suggests positive anticipation. For example, instead of saying "She was nervous to go on vacation", say "She was excited to go on vacation".

Linguistic Context

The adjective "nervous" primarily functions to describe a state of emotional agitation, anxiety, or unease. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in describing feelings of apprehension before events or situations, as shown in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

25%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Opinion

3%

Books

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nervous" is a very common adjective used to describe a state of anxiety, unease, or agitation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and prevalence in various contexts. It is grammatically sound and appropriate for both formal and informal communication. The most frequent contexts include News & Media, Sport and Lifestyle. When using "nervous", ensure it accurately reflects the intended emotion, distinguishing it from similar feelings like excitement. Employ specific details to enrich the description of the state of nervousness. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use the word "nervous" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Anxious

Implies a state of worry and unease, similar to nervous but often about a specific event or situation.

Apprehensive

Suggests a feeling of anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.

Uneasy

Describes a feeling of discomfort or anxiety, often without a clear cause.

Agitated

Indicates a state of being disturbed or excited, sometimes to the point of anxiety.

On edge

Suggests a state of heightened alertness and anxiety, ready to react to any perceived threat.

Restless

Characterized by an inability to stay still or be at ease, often due to anxiety or boredom.

Jittery

Describes a feeling of nervousness accompanied by uncontrollable shaking or trembling.

Tense

Implies a state of physical or emotional strain, often due to anxiety or stress.

Fidgety

Indicates a tendency to make small movements, often due to nervousness or impatience.

Worried

Implies concern or anxiety about actual or potential problems.

FAQs

How can I use "nervous" in a sentence?

You can use "nervous" to describe feeling anxious, worried, or uneasy about something. For example: "I get very nervous before public speaking", or "She was nervous about the results of the exam".

What can I say instead of "nervous"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "anxious", "apprehensive", or "uneasy" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "I am nervous to do something"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. For example, "I am nervous to ask for a raise". However, using a preposition like "about" or "of" can sometimes sound more natural. For example: "I am nervous about asking for a raise."

What is the difference between "nervous" and "scared"?

"Nervous" generally implies a feeling of unease or anxiety about something that might happen, while "scared" implies a feeling of fear in the face of a real or perceived danger. You might be "nervous" before a test, but "scared" if you see a snake.