nervous about

USAGE SUMMARY

"nervous about" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe a feeling of uncertainty and apprehension about something, e.g. "I'm feeling nervous about my first day of school".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm nervous about dying".

The New York Times

I'm nervous about interviewing.

Harvard University

Investors are nervous about Italy.

The New York Times

"Probably nervous about your wedding.

The New York Times

They're nervous about the economy.

The New York Times - Magazine

People are nervous about it".

The New York Times

"They're very nervous about it".

The New York Times

I'm really nervous about it.

The New Yorker

"I'm nervous about politics.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Nervous about your future?

The New York Times

"If he's nervous about it, I'm nervous about it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing concern, clearly specify what you are "nervous about" to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "I'm nervous", specify "I'm nervous about the presentation".

Common error

While "nervous about" is acceptable in most situations, opt for a more formal phrase like "concerned about" or "apprehensive about" in professional or academic writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nervous about" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject, expressing a state of anxiety or unease. Ludwig examples show the versatility of the phrase in expressing different types of anxieties, from personal concerns like "I'm nervous about dying" to broader concerns like "Investors are nervous about Italy."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

7%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nervous about" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express anxiety or unease regarding a specific subject. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is versatile, suitable for both formal and informal settings, though more formal alternatives like "concerned about" may be preferred in certain professional or academic contexts. It frequently appears in news and media sources, reflecting its widespread use in describing various anxieties, from personal to global issues. When using the phrase, it's best to specify what you are "nervous about" to enhance clarity. Overall, it's a reliable and widely understood way to communicate feelings of apprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anxious about

This alternative is very similar but emphasizes a more intense state of worry.

worried about

This alternative is a general term for feeling uneasy or troubled.

concerned about

This alternative focuses on a sense of worry or interest in something, often with a desire to take action.

uneasy about

This alternative suggests a mild feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

apprehensive about

This alternative implies a feeling of dread or foreboding about a future event.

scared about

This alternative implies a feeling of fear or fright.

frightened about

This alternative represents a more intense fear than "scared".

perturbed about

This alternative suggests a feeling of disturbance or annoyance.

on edge about

This alternative represents a state of being restless or irritable.

insecure about

This alternative suggests a lack of confidence or certainty.

FAQs

What's a more formal alternative to "nervous about"?

In formal writing, you might use phrases like "concerned about", "apprehensive about", or "anxious about" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

How can I use "nervous about" in a sentence?

You can use "nervous about" to express anxiety or unease regarding a specific situation or event. For example, "I'm nervous about the upcoming exam" or "She was nervous about meeting her partner's family".

Is it correct to say "nervous of" instead of "nervous about"?

While "nervous of" is occasionally used, "nervous about" is the more common and generally preferred construction in modern English. "Nervous of" might be used to indicate a general fear, while "nervous about" is for a specific situation.

What's the difference between "nervous about" and "excited about"?

"Nervous about" indicates anxiety or unease, while "excited about" indicates anticipation and enthusiasm. They are opposite in emotional tone, although both describe a feeling of anticipation.