started to get nervous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started to get nervous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a gradual onset of anxiety or apprehension in a situation. Example: "As the deadline approached, I started to get nervous about completing the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

As the vehicles rattled past, I started to get nervous.

The New York Times - Magazine

I started to get nervous, I started to get freaked out..

The New Yorker

I started to get nervous, because I knew what I had to do.

The Washington Post

I started to get nervous when the gas light came on.

The Washington Post

The Jets lost three of their first four games, and Jolley started to get nervous.

The New York Times

I started to get nervous, I started to get freaked out...

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Is China starting to get nervous?

The New Yorker

Guys start to get nervous".

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Kulkarni, meanwhile, was starting to get nervous.

The New York Times

I was frustrated and starting to get nervous.

The New York Times

And the passengers around me start to get nervous, too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started to get nervous" to describe a gradual increase in anxiety or unease, often in anticipation of an event or realization of a potential problem. This phrase is suitable for conveying a sense of escalating apprehension.

Common error

While "started to get nervous" is acceptable, relying on it too frequently can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your descriptions of anxiety with synonyms like "grew apprehensive" or "became uneasy" for greater impact and stylistic diversity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to get nervous" functions as a verb phrase indicating the beginning of an emotional state. It describes the onset of anxiety or apprehension. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "started to get nervous" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a gradual onset of anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is most frequently used in news and media contexts, indicating its relevance in describing both personal and broader concerns. While the phrase is generally acceptable, varying your language with synonyms like "grew apprehensive" or "became uneasy" can enhance your writing. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and engaging communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started to feel apprehensive

Similar to grew apprehensive but uses "feel" to emphasize the emotional experience.

began to worry

Focuses specifically on the mental aspect of being nervous, emphasizing concern about potential problems.

began to feel anxious

Replaces "get nervous" with the more clinical "feel anxious", indicating a slightly more intense emotional state.

became concerned

Highlights the element of worry and care about something.

became uneasy

Indicates a loss of comfort or peace of mind, a milder form of nervousness.

started to feel stressed

Uses the word "stressed" which is a common term for general anxiety and pressure.

grew apprehensive

Uses "apprehensive" which suggests a sense of foreboding about a future event.

started feeling edgy

Edgy implies a restless or irritable nervousness.

began to fret

Fret suggests a more agitated and visibly anxious state.

felt a sense of unease creeping in

More descriptive, emphasizing the gradual and subtle nature of the increasing nervousness.

FAQs

How can I use "started to get nervous" in a sentence?

You can use "started to get nervous" to describe a gradual increase in anxiety. For example, "As the deadline approached, I "started to get nervous" about finishing the project on time."

What's a more formal way to say "started to get nervous"?

A more formal alternative to "started to get nervous" is "grew apprehensive" or "became increasingly concerned". These options convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

What can I say instead of "started to get nervous" to imply a sudden onset of anxiety?

If you want to imply a sudden feeling of anxiety, you could say "suddenly felt anxious" or "was immediately alarmed" instead of "started to get nervous".

How does "started to get nervous" differ from "began to panic"?

"Started to get nervous" implies a gradual increase in anxiety, whereas "began to panic" suggests a more intense and overwhelming emotional response. "Began to panic" indicates a higher degree of fear and loss of control.