out of angst

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "out of angst" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express actions or feelings that arise from a state of anxiety or emotional distress. Example: "She made the decision to leave her job out of angst, feeling overwhelmed by the pressure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Is he worried that he'll run out of angst?

The Guardian

"Some overbid out of angst to not lose out, and then there's this week of due diligence where you wait for a contract to get signed".

The New York Times

"I'm reporting now just out of angst," Robison said in an interview.

Los Angeles Times

The only teenager in town hangs out on Google Earth, listens to Greenlandic rap songs about suicide and crafts tupilaqs out of angst.

Vice

The only teenager in town messes around on Google Earth, listens to Greenlandic rap songs about suicide, and crafts tupilaqs out of angst.

Vice

Sitting together in the center, Ali showed me dozens of sketches that were painted over in solid black out of angst.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Will there be more out-of-the-workplace angst next season?

The New York Times

It doesn't come out of angst-ridden hang-ups and frustrations or disasters".

The Guardian - Arts

Patrícia Henriques, tough and precise in her dancing as a woman in black and then in red, stands out in solos of angst amid the general suffering.

The New York Times - Arts

"Tearing his hair out, you know, full of angst.

The Guardian - Film

Share prices for last year's Fab 50 are down an average of 30% since January, and the earnings reports coming out now are full of angst.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "out of angst" to describe actions or creative expressions that stem from deep-seated feelings of anxiety, frustration, or existential unease. It is most effective when the source of the angst is either explicitly stated or strongly implied within the context.

Common error

Avoid using "out of angst" when simpler terms like "anxiously" or "nervously" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make writing sound pretentious or melodramatic if the situation doesn't genuinely involve profound emotional distress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of angst" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the motivation behind an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to indicate that an action is driven by deep-seated anxiety or emotional distress.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

11%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "out of angst" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe actions or creative outputs driven by profound anxiety or emotional distress. As Ludwig AI has confirmed, it effectively conveys the underlying emotional motivation, as seen in various reputable news and media sources. While not overly common, it's a valuable tool for adding depth to writing when used appropriately, avoiding overuse in simplistic scenarios. When choosing to use the phrase, remember that alternatives like “from anxiety” or “due to distress” may sometimes be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from anxiety

Focuses specifically on anxiety as the driving emotion, which is a component of angst but less all-encompassing.

due to distress

Highlights the state of being troubled or suffering, indicating a broader range of negative emotions.

motivated by unease

Emphasizes a lack of comfort or security as the primary driver, slightly milder than "angst".

driven by worry

Concentrates on anxious thoughts and concerns, a specific facet of the more general term "angst".

born of despair

Suggests a complete loss of hope, a more extreme emotion than typically implied by "angst".

prompted by trepidation

Highlights a feeling of fear or apprehension about what might happen.

out of fear

Focuses directly on fear as the primary motivator, which can be a component of angst.

compelled by anguish

Indicates severe mental or physical suffering, a more intense form of emotional distress.

from inner turmoil

Emphasizes internal conflict and emotional disturbance as the cause.

under duress

Highlights the presence of threats or coercion, suggesting a lack of free will.

FAQs

How can I use "out of angst" in a sentence?

You can use "out of angst" to describe actions or feelings motivated by deep anxiety or unease. For example, "The artist painted a series of dark canvases "out of angst" over the state of the world."

What are some alternatives to saying "out of angst"?

Alternatives include "from anxiety", "due to distress", or "motivated by unease", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Consider the context to choose the most fitting substitute.

Is it correct to say "doing something out of angst"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "doing something "out of angst"". It suggests that the action is a result of deep-seated anxiety or emotional distress.

What's the difference between "out of angst" and "out of fear"?

"Out of fear" implies actions driven by a specific, identifiable fear, whereas "out of angst" suggests a more generalized sense of anxiety, unease, and existential worry. Angst is a broader, more diffuse emotion.