very anxious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very anxious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a heightened state of worry or nervousness about a situation. Example: "She felt very anxious before her job interview, worrying about how she would perform."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

very anxious.

The Economist

I'm very anxious, panicked".

The New Yorker

Very anxious seller.

Cornell University

"He was very anxious".

The Guardian

"It makes you very anxious".

The New York Times

It's a very anxious time".

The New York Times

"We are very anxious, frightened.

The Guardian

We were very anxious at the checkpoint.

The New York Times

I was very, very, very, very anxious.

The New Yorker

"I am very anxious, and frustrated".

The New York Times

Those that don't become very anxious.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very anxious" to express a strong feeling of worry or nervousness. Consider the specific context to choose the most appropriate synonym for greater precision.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on intensifiers like "very". While "very anxious" is acceptable, overusing "very" can weaken your writing. Seek stronger, more descriptive words to convey the level of anxiety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very anxious" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of heightened worry or nervousness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and readily usable in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very anxious" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a state of heightened worry or nervousness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. While suitable for general contexts, more formal alternatives may be preferred in professional or academic settings. When using "very anxious", consider the intensity of the emotion you want to convey and avoid overusing intensifiers for more impactful writing. Common contexts for this expression include news and media, academia, and more informal conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely worried

Emphasizes the high degree of worry experienced.

highly apprehensive

Focuses on the anticipation of something negative with a heightened sense of unease.

incredibly nervous

Highlights the state of being on edge and agitated.

deeply concerned

Indicates a significant level of worry and care about a particular situation.

intensely uneasy

Stresses the discomfort and lack of peace of mind experienced.

quite agitated

Focuses on a visible state of disturbance and restlessness.

terribly stressed

Emphasizes the overwhelming pressure and strain felt.

really fearful

Highlights the presence of significant fear and dread.

utterly perturbed

Indicates a complete disruption of one's peace of mind.

exceedingly restless

Focuses on the inability to stay still or relax due to anxiety.

FAQs

What are some phrases similar to "very anxious"?

Alternatives include "extremely worried", "highly apprehensive", or "incredibly nervous", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "very anxious" formal or informal?

While widely used, "very anxious" leans towards neutral. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "highly apprehensive" or "deeply concerned" for a more sophisticated tone.

How can I use "very anxious" in a sentence?

You might say, "She was "very anxious" about the upcoming exam" or "The situation made him "very anxious"." Ensure the context justifies the intensity of the emotion.

What's the difference between "very anxious" and "slightly anxious"?

"Very anxious" indicates a strong feeling of worry or nervousness, while "slightly anxious" suggests a milder level of unease. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the intensity of the emotion.