to be anxious about something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be anxious about something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing concern or worry regarding a specific issue or situation. Example: "She tends to be anxious about her upcoming exams, fearing she might not perform well."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Sometimes when I have that migraine, you do get these really like 'churney' thoughts that are kind of pain related but you often get like…if you're anxious about something as well…you do get like, the pain and the anxiety do get kind of mixed up, so I think having the cognitive behavioural therapy kind of helps for those moments".

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Looking at all the uniforms made me feel like I have a reason to be worried, that there's something to be anxious about and I began, again, to look intently at the people around me.

Huffington Post

The things I used to be anxious about are now mostly resolved.

TechCrunch

The fact is, the thought of all those memos and reports and manuals made Dewey anxious, and that anxiety has never really gone away, even in the face of evidence that paper is no longer something to be anxious about.

The New Yorker

Will Forte is the kind of person who's going to find something to be anxious about no matter the circumstances.

Los Angeles Times

There was plenty to be anxious about — even without anthrax.

The New Yorker

He has nothing to be anxious about.

Huffington Post

"When someone says they're having an anxiety attack, it's more a colloquial term, but usually what they are referring to is that they're anxious about something that's happening, whether it be with school, work or your relationships," Boisseau said.

Huffington Post

"The act of putting somebody into that environment is something that the system should be anxious about, anxious enough to want to be reporting every time it happens from the first minute it happens and having review mechanisms in place".

The Guardian

When you are anxious about something, it can be incredibly easy to see only the negative aspects of it.

WikiHow

The measure consists of 12 items (e.g., "I try to get over my fears", "I behave myself in a brave way", "If I am anxious about something, I will do or face it anyway", and "If something scares me, I try to get away from it" [reverse item]) that have to be rated on a 4-point Likert scale (1 =  not true, 2 =  somewhat true, 3 =  true, and 4 =  very true).

Child Psychiatry and Human Development

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "to be anxious about something", clearly identify the specific cause of the anxiety to provide context and clarity. For example, instead of saying "I'm anxious", specify "I'm anxious about the upcoming presentation".

Common error

Avoid using "to be anxious about something" without specifying what is causing the anxiety. Vague statements can be confusing and less impactful. Always clarify the source of your anxiety to ensure effective communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be anxious about something" functions as a descriptive expression, indicating a state of worry or unease concerning a specific subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for expressing concern.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be anxious about something" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to convey worry or concern regarding a specific subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. While its frequency is currently listed as missing due to limited direct examples, the phrase's semantic clarity and the availability of numerous alternatives such as "to worry about something" and "to be concerned about something" make it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary. Whether in formal or informal settings, clearly specifying the cause of anxiety is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To worry about something

Replaces "anxious" with "worry", offering a more common and straightforward expression of concern.

To be concerned about something

Substitutes "anxious" with "concerned", suggesting a more formal and considered worry.

To be nervous about something

Replaces "anxious" with "nervous", conveying a state of agitation or excitement mixed with worry.

To have anxieties regarding something

Uses "anxieties" as a noun, shifting the focus to the feeling itself rather than the state of being anxious.

To feel apprehensive about something

Replaces "anxious" with "apprehensive", implying a sense of foreboding or unease.

To be uneasy about something

Uses "uneasy" to convey a lack of comfort or peace of mind regarding a situation.

To be stressed about something

Substitutes "anxious" with "stressed", highlighting the pressure and strain associated with the worry.

To fear something

Offers a direct and strong expression of worry, focusing on the fear itself.

To dread something

Implies a strong feeling of aversion or reluctance due to anticipated anxiety.

To have reservations about something

Indicates a feeling of doubt or uncertainty, causing anxiety about potential outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "to be anxious about something" in a sentence?

You can use "to be anxious about something" to express worry or concern regarding a specific issue. For example, "She tends to be anxious about her upcoming exams, fearing she might not perform well".

What are some alternatives to "to be anxious about something"?

You can use alternatives such as "to worry about something", "to be concerned about something", or "to feel apprehensive about something" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "anxious about" or "anxious for"?

"Anxious about" is typically used when expressing worry or concern regarding a specific issue or situation. "Anxious for" usually indicates a strong desire or eagerness for something to happen.

What's the difference between being "nervous about" and "anxious about" something?

While both terms express unease, "nervous about" often refers to a temporary state of agitation or excitement, while "anxious about" suggests a more prolonged and deeper sense of worry or unease. They are very similar and often interchangeable, but "to be anxious about something" implies a potentially larger impact or deeper concern.