started to worry

USAGE SUMMARY

"started to worry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the beginning of a period of worrying, often in a context of something causing worry. For example: "When the storm clouds started gathering, the hikers started to worry about the safety of their camp."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He started to worry.

The New Yorker

Argame started to worry.

Stanford University

Then she started to worry.

The New York Times - Magazine

Now, I started to worry.

The New York Times

But then I started to worry.

The New York Times - Travel

Edith Willingham started to worry early.

The New York Times

England, and I, started to worry.

The Guardian - Sport

"I started to worry about other women.

The Guardian

And started to worry all over again.

The New York Times

Ali started to worry about Nurto.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Now she starts to worry.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "started to worry", consider the specific emotion you want to convey. Alternatives like "became anxious" or "grew concerned" might better suit the context depending on the nuance you intend.

Common error

While "started to worry" is correct, overuse can make your writing monotonous. Vary your language by using alternatives or describing the specific actions or thoughts that indicate worry. For instance, instead of stating someone "started to worry", describe them pacing nervously or replaying events in their mind.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to worry" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a state of concern or anxiety. It describes the point at which someone begins to experience worry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "started to worry" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the beginning of a state of concern or anxiety. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is versatile and appropriate for various contexts. While it's a useful phrase, varying your language by using synonyms like "became anxious" or "grew concerned" can enhance your writing. Be mindful of overuse and consider describing the actions or thoughts that indicate worry for a richer, more engaging narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grew concerned

This alternative highlights a gradual increase in worry or concern.

started to feel anxious

This alternative adds the emotional element of feeling anxious, making the worry more visceral.

became uneasy

This alternative focuses on the feeling of unease that develops as worry begins.

became anxious

This alternative emphasizes the emotional state of anxiety that arises.

started to get nervous

This alternative directly expresses the feeling of nervousness as a result of starting to worry.

began to fret

This alternative suggests a more agitated or anxious state of worry compared to the original phrase.

turned apprehensive

This alternative focuses on the shift to a feeling of apprehension or unease.

commenced to fret

This alternative is a more formal way of saying 'began to fret', suggesting the start of anxiety.

initiated concern

This alternative emphasizes the beginning or initiation of a feeling of concern.

began to agonize

This alternative suggests a more intense and prolonged period of worrying.

FAQs

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

You can use "started to worry" to describe the onset of concern about a situation or person. For example, "She "started to worry" when he didn't come home on time".

What are some alternatives to "started to worry"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "became anxious", "grew concerned", or "began to fret" as alternatives to "started to worry".

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

Yes, both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often depends on stylistic preference or the specific nuance you want to express.

What's the difference between "started to worry" and "was worried"?

"Started to worry" indicates the beginning of a state of concern, whereas "was worried" implies a continued state of worry. The former highlights the transition into worry, while the latter describes an ongoing condition.