nervous demeanor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nervous demeanor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's outward behavior or appearance that indicates anxiety or unease. Example: "Her nervous demeanor during the interview made it clear that she was not confident in her abilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Jeffrey DeMunn's Megrim, on the other hand, has a shifty, nervous demeanor that marks him immediately as untrustworthy.

The New York Times

Mr. Brooks, who his lawyers have said is in a "tenuous emotional state," has watched much of the proceedings with glassy eyes and a nervous demeanor.

The New York Times

George was known throughout the Gowanus Houses as "RoboCop," for his nervous demeanor and his tendency to pull and point his gun at residents at the slightest provocation.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The existential struggles of Ren (a moth-eaten Chihuahua whose hyper-nervous demeanor suggests a serious problem with methamphetamines) and Stimpy (a dopey, egg-shaped cat with an unnatural attachment to his litter box) proved to be too much for Nickelodeon, the cable channel that financed the show and then took it away from Mr. Kricfalusi's control.

The New York Times

Pearce, with his lean and hungry good looks, gives his character a nervous, desperate demeanor that lifts the movie from a talky, paranoid exercise to an edgy little noir.

The New Yorker

Set in the close-knit Syrian Jewish community in the Midwood section of Brooklyn — where the thirty-six-year-old Adjmi grew up and attended the local yeshiva — "Stunning" focusses on Lily Schwecky (Cristin Milioti), a sixteen-year-old Syrian Jewish girl with long dark hair, round, doll-like eyes, and an alternately nervous and openmouthed demeanor.

The New Yorker

The power of personality over the fate of the Party is precisely what makes some Democrats nervous about Kerry, whose sepulchral demeanor and patrician locutions proved such an obstacle to connecting with voters until the prospect of a Dean candidacy started losing its lustre.

The New Yorker

From the start, you can sense, on the fringes of her upbeat demeanor, and in the nervous flicker of her eyes, the fear that not all will be well.

The New Yorker

When approached by Paul and some of the people in the camp, his demeanor was timid and nervous, but he didn't come off as aggressive or skittish like the other feral dogs he accompanied.

Huffington Post

Simply try to project a calm demeanor, because even if you are nervous inside, the calm attitude will make you look cooler and you'll end up feeling more confident as the date goes on.

WikiHow

He punctuated his performances with a combination of nervous energy, bug-eyed facial expressions and a gentle demeanor.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's "nervous demeanor" in writing, use specific details such as fidgeting hands, darting eyes, or a trembling voice to enhance the reader's understanding of their anxiety.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on generic descriptors like "sweaty palms" or "shaky knees" when illustrating a "nervous demeanor". Instead, focus on unique and subtle behaviors that convey the character's unease in a more nuanced and original way.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nervous demeanor" typically functions as a descriptive element, providing insight into a character's state of mind or emotional condition. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nervous demeanor" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes someone's outward behavior indicating anxiety or unease. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly news and media. While alternatives like "anxious disposition" or "uneasy manner" exist, "nervous demeanor" effectively conveys a sense of observable anxiety through specific mannerisms and expressions. When using the phrase in writing, focus on specific details to create a vivid image of the character's state. As a final thought, it’s worth noting that "demeanor" alone is a valid and semantically related word.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anxious disposition

Focuses more on the underlying emotional state affecting the overall character.

uneasy manner

Highlights the lack of comfort and composure in one's behavior.

apprehensive behavior

Emphasizes the anticipation of something negative or unpleasant.

agitated state

Implies a higher level of visible distress and restlessness.

fidgety presence

Points to physical restlessness and inability to stay still.

restless air

Captures a sense of internal turmoil reflected in one's bearing.

perturbed attitude

Suggests a slight disturbance and deviation from a normal state.

jittery conduct

Focuses on the uncontrolled, shaky aspect of nervousness.

worried expression

Highlights the facial display of concern and anxiety.

timid countenance

Indicates shyness and lack of confidence in one's appearance.

FAQs

How can I effectively describe a "nervous demeanor" in writing?

Focus on specific, observable behaviors that manifest anxiety, such as fidgeting, avoiding eye contact, or a trembling voice. The more detailed and unique your observations, the more vividly you'll convey the character's unease.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "nervous demeanor"?

You can use alternatives like "anxious disposition", "uneasy manner", or "apprehensive behavior" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "nervous demeanor" in a sentence?

Yes, "nervous demeanor" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It consists of an adjective ("nervous") modifying a noun ("demeanor") to describe a person's outward behavior or appearance.

What is the difference between "nervous demeanor" and "anxious behavior"?

"Nervous demeanor" refers more to the outward appearance and mannerisms that indicate anxiety, while "anxious behavior" encompasses a broader range of actions and responses stemming from anxiety, which may not always be outwardly visible. They are similar but "nervous demeanor" is just the expression of "anxious behavior"