not to worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not to worry" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an informal way of saying that you should not be anxious or concerned. You can use this phrase when someone expresses worry or concern to you. For example: "I'm afraid I won't be able to finish this project in time." "Not to worry. I'm sure you can find a way to get it done."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Not to worry now.

The New Yorker

Not to worry, however.

The New York Times

Not to worry, Oprah.

The New Yorker

Not to worry, though.

The New York Times

Not to worry.

The New York Times

So not to worry!

The New Yorker

Not to worry, cubicle dwellers.

The New Yorker

"Not to worry," he said.

The New Yorker

Interior says not to worry.

The New York Times

Right-oh, not to worry.

Independent

Not to worry, college students!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not to worry" to offer reassurance in informal settings, such as conversations with friends or family. It conveys a sense of empathy and support without being overly formal.

Common error

While "not to worry" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing or professional communications. Opt for more professional alternatives such as "rest assured" or "there's no need for concern" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not to worry" functions primarily as an interjection or reassurance. It's used to alleviate someone's anxiety or concern about a situation. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a way of saying that there isn't a problem.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not to worry" is a common and grammatically sound way to offer reassurance, primarily used in informal settings. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it's widely accepted, it’s best to reserve it for casual conversation and opt for more formal alternatives, such as "rest assured" or "there's no need for concern", in professional contexts. Remember that using contextually appropriate alternatives can enhance your communication and maintain the desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Don't worry

A more direct and common way to express the same sentiment.

No need to worry

Slightly more formal, emphasizing the lack of necessity for concern.

Don't be concerned

More formal and polite, suitable for professional settings.

Everything will be alright

Offers broader reassurance about a situation's outcome.

It's okay

Simple and versatile, suitable for various situations.

There's no need for concern

A more emphatic and formal expression of reassurance.

Rest assured

Formal and confident, implying a guarantee of a positive outcome.

It'll be fine

Casual and optimistic, suitable for informal settings.

Take it easy

Suggests a relaxed attitude and avoidance of stress.

Keep calm

Emphasizes the importance of staying composed in a stressful situation.

FAQs

How can I use "not to worry" in a sentence?

You can use "not to worry" to reassure someone who is expressing concern. For example, if someone says "I'm not sure I can finish this on time," you can respond with "Not to worry, I'm here to help you."

What's a more formal alternative to "not to worry"?

If you're in a formal setting, consider using phrases like "rest assured" or "there's no need for concern" as they are more professional.

Is "not to worry" grammatically correct?

Yes, "not to worry" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English as an informal expression of reassurance.

When is it appropriate to use "not to worry"?

"Not to worry" is suitable for informal situations when you want to reassure someone that everything will be alright. It's less appropriate for formal or professional contexts, where phrases like "do not be concerned" or "rest assured" are more fitting.