very worrying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'very worrying' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that is causing a great deal of concern. For example: "The rising number of coronavirus cases in the area is very worrying."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is very worrying.

The New York Times

That is very worrying.

Independent

Which sounds very worrying.

Nature

It's all very worrying.

The Guardian

She added: "It's very worrying.

Independent

It all sounds very worrying.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I find it very worrying.

The Guardian

"The future is very worrying.

The Guardian

All this is very worrying.

The Guardian

All these developments have been very worrying.

The Guardian

To Ernest this is very worrying.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger synonyms like "alarming" or "disturbing" if the situation warrants a more severe tone than "very worrying" conveys.

Common error

Avoid using "very worrying" with overly general subjects. Instead of saying "The situation is very worrying", specify which aspects of the situation are causing concern to make your writing more precise and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very worrying" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe something that causes concern or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, supported by numerous examples of its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very worrying" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to express significant concern about a situation or development. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary function is adjectival, serving to modify nouns and convey a sense of anxiety or unease. While the phrase is suitable for diverse contexts, from news reports to informal conversations, it's most frequently encountered in news and media. When using "very worrying", ensure clarity by specifying the cause of concern and consider stronger synonyms for heightened emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeply concerning

Replaces "very worrying" with a stronger emphasis on the depth of concern.

highly troubling

Substitutes "worrying" with "troubling" to emphasize the problematic nature of the situation.

cause for alarm

Uses a more direct expression of potential danger or urgent concern.

matter of grave concern

Emphasizes the seriousness and significance of the worrying issue.

source of anxiety

Focuses on the emotional impact, highlighting that it causes anxiety.

reason for apprehension

Highlights the feeling of unease or fear about what might happen.

disturbing development

Emphasizes that the cause for worry is a new or unfolding event.

alarming situation

Highlights the potential danger of a state of affairs.

raises serious questions

Indicates that the issue prompts significant doubts or uncertainties.

gives cause for concern

A more formal way of saying something is worrying, highlighting its potential impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "very worrying" to describe situations, trends, or news that cause concern. For example, "The increase in unemployment rates is "very worrying"".

What are some alternatives to "very worrying"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "deeply concerning", "highly troubling", or "alarming situation".

Is it grammatically correct to say "very worrying"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Very" is an adverb that modifies the adjective "worrying", making it a standard and acceptable construction.

What's the difference between "very worrying" and "somewhat worrying"?

"Very worrying" indicates a high level of concern, while "somewhat worrying" suggests a moderate or slight degree of concern. The choice depends on the intensity of the emotion you want to convey.