note of anxiety

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "note of anxiety" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling or indication of worry or concern in a particular context. Example: "Her voice carried a note of anxiety as she spoke about the upcoming exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Where most interpretations of the song focus on its sense of dreamy longing, this one convincingly sounded a note of anxiety.

The New York Times - Arts

A piercing note of anxiety about modern relationships seems to be trying to break through, and it's not easy to balance this elegantly with comedy.

The Guardian - Film

After the man had driven off, Shanahan said, with a note of anxiety, "What house was he pointing to?" Did Shanahan worry about how the locals would react to a New Yorker ringing their doorbell?

The New Yorker

Jason Taylor, in his rehearsal footage, brought in a tutu that he said his poker buddies gave him when they heard he was going on the show, but this note of anxiety was introduced only to be scoffed at.

The New Yorker

As the movie proceeds, the intensity of her affection for Gerri and Tom's family – she has known them for decades – takes the drama in an increasingly painful direction, and yet the film's note of anxiety remains muffled and subsurface until the drama is blindsided by the explicit, violent anger of a sequence late in the narrative: a funeral in Tom's Lancashire hometown.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

And the inexhaustible Brian Murray finds intriguing notes of anxiety as well as the usual malevolent sternness in Deputy Governor Danforth, who presides over the trials.

The New York Times

IF you spent a lot of time this year reading and writing about movies — as opposed to watching them, which is more fun — you might have detected recurrent notes of anxiety, trepidation, even dread.

The New York Times

As a graduate student, I took note of the anxiety and frustration among many postdocs who were finding it difficult to obtain an independent research position.

Science Magazine

Mr. Karam and Mr. Paparelli have captured authentic notes of adolescent anxiety and yearning in briskly drawn scenes set in and around the classroom, the gym and the cafeteria.

The New York Times

We also noted lower symptoms of anxiety among girls whose mothers had higher concentrations of DEHP metabolites.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Thus, Pober and Dykens (1996) noted high levels of anxiety, worry, preoccupation, crying and fearfulness, as well as depressive symptoms, in Williams syndrome individuals, and Dykens (2003), Leyfer et al. (2006) and Meyer-Lindenberg et al. (2006) describe substantially elevated rates of anxiety and phobias.

Evolutionary Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, "note of anxiety" can subtly foreshadow events or reveal a character's inner state, adding depth to the narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "note of anxiety" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "feeling anxious" or "a bit worried" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "note of anxiety" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement within a sentence. It describes a discernible indication or expression of worry or unease. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Film

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "note of anxiety" effectively conveys a subtle indication of worry or concern, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct and versatile, it's relatively rare. Its usage spans from news and media to film and science, and it serves to subtly depict someone's emotional state. It can be considered relatively neutral in tone. While writing, synonyms such as "hint of apprehension" can give more formal tone, but don't use it in casual writing where is better to keep it simple.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of apprehension

Replaces "note" with "hint", suggesting a more subtle indication of anxiety.

trace of concern

Substitutes "note" with "trace" and "anxiety" with "concern", implying a faint sign of worry.

element of unease

Uses "element" instead of "note" and "unease" instead of "anxiety", conveying a sense of discomfort.

sense of disquiet

Replaces the entire phrase with a more general feeling of unease.

undertone of worry

Uses "undertone" to suggest a less explicit expression of anxiety.

air of apprehension

Replaces "note" with "air", indicating a pervading feeling of anxiety.

shade of trepidation

Employs "shade" to imply a subtle degree of fear or anxiety.

intimation of concern

Uses "intimation" to suggest a subtle hint of anxiety or worry.

fleeting sense of alarm

Replaces "anxiety" with "alarm", suggesting a sudden, brief feeling of worry.

suspicion of nervousness

Conveys a subtle indication that someone is nervous.

FAQs

How can I use "note of anxiety" in a sentence?

You can use "note of anxiety" to describe a subtle expression of worry or concern, for example: "Her voice carried a "note of anxiety" when she spoke about the upcoming deadline."

What phrases are similar to "note of anxiety"?

Similar phrases include "hint of apprehension", "trace of concern", or "sense of disquiet". These alternatives can add nuance to your writing.

Is "note of anxiety" formal or informal?

The phrase "note of anxiety" is relatively neutral but leans slightly toward formal. In very informal contexts, simpler expressions might be preferred.

What's the difference between "note of anxiety" and "feeling anxious"?

"Note of anxiety" describes an outward indication or expression of anxiety, while "feeling anxious" describes the internal state of experiencing anxiety. For example, "Her email had a "note of anxiety"," versus "I'm "feeling anxious" about the presentation."