they were anxious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were anxious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of worry or unease experienced by a group of people. Example: "As the deadline approached, they were anxious about the outcome of their project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They were anxious.

The New York Times - Sports

"They were anxious to go".

The New York Times

Both said they were anxious for peace.

The Economist

They were loud, they were anxious.

The New York Times - Sports

Most said they were anxious to retain their skills base.

The Economist

"Of course, they were anxious about it," he acknowledges.

The Guardian

"They were anxious to go," Mr. Camera said.

The New York Times

Refugees said they were anxious, depressed and unable to sleep.

The New York Times

But they were anxious as well, he said.

The New York Times

They were anxious to know how this pan-European campaign came over in English.

Independent

"They were anxious to have me leave, so I cleaned out my desk on Dec. 1.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were anxious" to describe a group's state of unease or concern about a specific event or situation. Ensure the context clearly explains the source of their anxiety.

Common error

Avoid using "they were anxious" as a catch-all phrase for other emotions like fear, excitement, or anticipation. Choose a more specific word that accurately reflects their feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were anxious" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating a state of worry or unease experienced by a group of individuals. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were anxious" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a group's state of worry or unease. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While the phrase itself is neutral in register, it's important to choose it thoughtfully, ensuring that it accurately reflects the specific emotion being conveyed and avoiding overuse as a general substitute for more precise terms like "worried", "apprehensive", or "concerned". The phrase is frequently found in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were apprehensive

Highlights anticipation of future trouble or unpleasantness, a specific type of anxiety.

they were nervous

Suggests a state of agitation or jumpiness, often in anticipation of an event.

they were worried

Focuses on concern about a specific situation or outcome, overlapping with but broader than "anxious".

they were uneasy

Similar to feeling "uncomfortable", but refers to a general sense of anxiety or disquiet.

they felt uneasy

Emphasizes a lack of comfort or mild apprehension, less intense than "anxious".

they were concerned

Indicates a state of worry and care, potentially encompassing a broader range of issues than simple anxiety.

they were stressed

Reflects a state of mental or emotional strain, indicating sustained pressure and potentially leading to anxiety.

they were perturbed

Signifies disturbance or agitation, usually by something unexpected, conveying a strong feeling of worry.

they were agitated

Focuses on visible restlessness or unease, suggesting a higher level of disturbance than simple anxiety.

they were restless

Emphasizes inability to relax or stay still, revealing an underlying state of worry or unease.

FAQs

What does "they were anxious" mean?

The phrase "they were anxious" means that a group of people were experiencing worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.

How can I use "they were anxious" in a sentence?

You can use "they were anxious" to describe a group's feelings of unease. For example: "As the results were announced, "they were anxious" to know if they had won".

What can I say instead of "they were anxious"?

You can use alternatives like "they were worried", "they were apprehensive", or "they were concerned" depending on the context.

Is "they were anxious" formal or informal?

"They were anxious" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and the specific situation being described.