was anxious for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was anxious for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of eagerness or concern about something that is expected to happen in the future. Example: "She was anxious for the results of her exam, hoping she had done well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Aureliano was anxious for that operation never to end.

The New Yorker

Weeks after the murders, Ms. Zhicay, Justin's mother, said she was anxious for closure.

The New York Times

He was anxious for the President to sign the bill after it passed.

The New Yorker

Fortunately for Spain, the new government of James I was anxious for peace.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was anxious for protesters to "make some noise" before his federal hearing, his daughter said.

The Guardian

He was anxious for me to get him on about his business.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Both said they were anxious for peace.

The Economist

"I'm anxious for this game.

The New York Times - Sports

Rosario Cuzco is anxious for results.

The New York Times

Americans should be anxious, for reasons including the huge deficit.

The New York Times

And they are anxious for sustained U.S. advisory help.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was anxious for" when you want to express a blend of eagerness and concern about an upcoming event or decision. Make sure the context reflects both anticipation and a degree of worry or uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "anxious" solely to denote eagerness, as it also carries connotations of worry or unease. If there is no element of concern, consider using alternatives like "eager" or "excited" to more accurately convey the intended emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was anxious for" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a subject and expressing a state of eagerness combined with worry or concern regarding a future event or outcome. As Ludwig AI shows, it is often used to describe a person's feelings about something they anticipate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science & Research

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was anxious for" is a common phrase used to express a combination of eagerness and concern about an upcoming event or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's important to use "anxious" carefully to avoid misrepresenting pure eagerness, mastering this phrase enhances the precision and emotional depth of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was eager for

Focuses on anticipation and enthusiasm, lacking the element of worry present in the original phrase.

was keen for

Similar to "eager", but carries a slightly more formal tone and implies a strong desire.

was concerned about

Emphasizes worry and care regarding a particular situation or outcome.

was impatient for

Emphasizes the difficulty in waiting and the desire for something to happen quickly.

was apprehensive about

A more formal way of expressing nervousness or anxiety about something.

was nervous about

Shifts the focus to apprehension and unease regarding a future event.

was anticipating

Highlights the expectation of something, but doesn't necessarily imply anxiety.

was looking forward to

Indicates a positive expectation and excitement, often without the element of concern.

couldn't wait for

Expresses strong eagerness and excitement, often used in informal contexts.

was waiting with bated breath for

Conveys a high level of anticipation and excitement, often with a sense of suspense.

FAQs

What's the difference between "was anxious for" and "was eager for"?

"Was anxious for" implies a mix of excitement and worry about something. "Was eager for"/"was eager to" focuses solely on positive anticipation and enthusiasm.

How can I use "was anxious for" in a sentence?

You can use "was anxious for" to express a feeling of excitement mixed with worry about a future event or outcome. For example: "She was anxious for the results of her exam".

What are some alternatives to "was anxious for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "was eager for", "was keen for", or "was concerned about".

Is it correct to say "was anxious to" instead of "was anxious for"?

While both can be used, "was anxious for" is typically followed by a noun or noun phrase, while "was anxious to" is followed by a verb. For example: "He was anxious for the game to start" versus "He was anxious to play the game".