surge of worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surge of worry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a sudden and intense increase in feelings of anxiety or concern. Example: "As the deadline approached, a surge of worry washed over her, making it difficult to concentrate on her work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Still, Mr. Smith, whose district includes parts of suburban San Antonio and Austin as well as a large part of the nearby Hill Country, recently acknowledged the surge of worry in rural areas.

The New York Times

In recent years there have been outbreaks of meningitis among the pilgrims, and last year there was a surge of worry after a Saudi national died from the shadowy coronavirus which can cause deadly pneumonia.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Now, the surge of new displacements is worrying officials from the United Nations and the African Union, who say that thousands of civilians fled the towns of Labado and Muhajeria in April when fighting broke out between Sudanese forces and one of three main Darfurian rebel groups that continue to fight the government.

The New York Times

The surge of the greenback is one more worry in a world already drowning in them.

The Economist

Some foreign diplomats worry about a surge of protectionism in America: Clinton, Sanders and Trump have all come out against Obama's Trans-Pacific Partnership.

The Guardian

Some trail advocates do worry that a surge of popularity could contribute to it being loved to death if newcomers do not travel thoughtfully: living lightly on the land, being careful with fire, moving respectfully through small trailside communities.

The New York Times

Fishing industry lobbyists and lawyers worry that a surge of wave energy could repeat what happened when hydroelectricity came to the Pacific Northwest in a big way starting in the 1930s.

The New York Times

Apple shouldn't worry about the surge of Android in terms of tablet market share, desktop PC makers and the likes of RIM, Nokia and Microsoft should.

TechCrunch

Mercosur, to which both countries belong, has long aspired roughly to balance trade in cars and car parts between the two.The Brazilians have become worried about a surge of imports that has come about partly because of the strength of the real (which has risen by 32% against the dollar since the start of 2009).

The Economist

Some analysts worry that the sudden surge of judicial and media pressure against the military, which was already bristling after the humiliation of the American commando raid that killed Osama bin Laden last year, could be moving dangerously fast.

The New York Times

Even in the traditionally more successful cities, there is plenty to fuel the anxieties of those who worry about such an uncontrollable surge of urban change.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "surge of worry" to depict a sudden, intense increase in anxiety or concern, often triggered by a specific event or situation. This phrase is effective for conveying a strong emotional shift in a concise manner.

Common error

Avoid using "surge of worry" in highly formal or academic writing where a more nuanced or precise term might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "increased concern" or "heightened anxiety" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surge of worry" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a sudden increase in feelings of anxiety or concern. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "surge of worry" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a sudden and intense increase in anxiety or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and while it's more common in news and media contexts, it can be adapted for other forms of writing. When choosing to use this phrase, consider the level of formality required and whether alternatives like "wave of anxiety" or "heightened anxiety" might be more appropriate. Be mindful of avoiding overuse in highly formal settings to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wave of anxiety

Emphasizes the feeling of anxiety as an overwhelming experience.

flood of concern

Highlights the abundance and intensity of concern felt.

upsurge of fear

Highlights a sudden and powerful increase in fear.

outbreak of fear

Focuses on the sudden and widespread emergence of fear.

rise in apprehension

Indicates a growing sense of unease and anticipation of negative events.

growing disquiet

Suggests a gradually increasing feeling of anxiety and disturbance.

mounting unease

Highlights the accumulation of feelings of discomfort and anxiety.

escalating alarm

Emphasizes the increasing level of worry and fear.

heightened anxiety

Indicates an elevated state of anxiousness.

increasing disquietude

Suggests a formal and intensifying state of anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "surge of worry" in a sentence?

You can use "surge of worry" to describe a sudden and intense increase in feelings of anxiety or concern. For example: "As the deadline approached, a "surge of worry" washed over her, making it difficult to concentrate on her work."

What are some alternatives to "surge of worry"?

You can use alternatives like "wave of anxiety", "flood of concern", or "rise in apprehension" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "surge of worry" in formal writing?

While "surge of worry" is grammatically correct, it may be more appropriate for informal or journalistic contexts. In formal writing, consider using more nuanced phrases like "heightened anxiety" or "increased concern".

What's the difference between "surge of worry" and "wave of anxiety"?

Both phrases describe intense feelings of unease, but "surge of worry" implies a sudden and sharp increase in concern, while "wave of anxiety" suggests a more rolling, overwhelming experience.