start to worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start to worry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing the beginning of concern or anxiety about a situation. Example: "As the deadline approached, I began to start to worry about whether we would complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

If they make it square, I'll start to worry".

The New York Times - Sports

Or, as she had said, she might start to worry.

The New Yorker

A board may start to worry they're getting left behind.

The New York Times

"It's the pesky ones you could start to worry about".

The Guardian

After a few days, however, the others start to worry.

The New Yorker

When your friends don't get it, then you really start to worry.

The New York Times

Should banks now start to worry that the companies which built those homes will do likewise?

The Economist

Then I start to worry a little that there is no door".

The New Yorker

If they don't fight over things, that's when you start to worry.

The New Yorker

As parents linger in their homes, they say their children start to worry.

The New York Times

If you start to worry about things, that's when things fall apart".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start to worry" to indicate the initial phase of concern or anxiety. It's effective for portraying a gradual escalation of worry rather than a sudden onset.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "start to worry" in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms such as "become anxious" or "grow concerned" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start to worry" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating the beginning of a state of anxiety or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Reference

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "start to worry" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the beginning of concern or anxiety. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used in diverse contexts, particularly within news and media. While the phrase is versatile, it's important to consider synonymous alternatives like "grow concerned" or "become anxious" to avoid repetition. To maintain clarity and engagement in your writing, avoid overuse of the phrase and use it to indicate a gradual escalation of worry, rather than a sudden onset.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin to fret

Focuses more on the emotional agitation associated with worrying.

become anxious

Emphasizes the feeling of anxiety as it begins to develop.

grow concerned

Highlights a gradual increase in concern.

get apprehensive

Suggests a feeling of dread or unease about something that might happen.

feel uneasy

Indicates a general sense of discomfort or anxiety.

develop misgivings

Implies a growing sense of doubt or apprehension about something.

start to doubt

Focuses on the emergence of uncertainty and lack of confidence.

get stressed

Highlights the feeling of mental or emotional strain.

become alarmed

Suggests a sudden feeling of fear or anxiety.

enter a state of unease

Describes a more general shift into a state of discomfort and disquiet.

FAQs

How can I use "start to worry" in a sentence?

You can use "start to worry" to express the beginning of concern about something. For example, "As the deadline approached, I began to start to worry about whether we would complete the project on time."

What are some alternatives to "start to worry"?

Alternatives include phrases like "begin to fret", "grow concerned", or "become anxious", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "started to worry" instead of "start to worry"?

Yes, "started to worry" is the past tense form and is perfectly correct when referring to a past event. "Start to worry" is used in the present tense or to express a general tendency.

What's the difference between "start to worry" and "being worried"?

"Start to worry" describes the commencement of the worrying process, while "being worried" describes the state of already experiencing worry.