was uneasy about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was uneasy about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express discomfort or apprehension regarding a particular situation or subject. Example: "She was uneasy about the upcoming presentation, fearing she might forget her lines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The staff was uneasy about the combustible mob mixture.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, Truman was uneasy about the whole thing.

The New Yorker

The Western union girl was uneasy about the whole thing.

The New Yorker

Mr. Damrow was smitten, but his wife was uneasy about the $10,000 monthly rent.

The New York Times

The Tories wanted a higher cap, whereas Labour was uneasy about the restriction on unions.

The Economist

He learned how to operate the mechanism but he was uneasy about it.

The New Yorker

He was uneasy about some of the changes that the new prosperity brought.

The New Yorker

Yet, he said, he was uneasy about proceeding without the Police Department's blessing.

The New York Times

But I was uneasy about its being staged with an American director and cast.

The New York Times

"I was uneasy about the unchallenged nature of both Assange and the John Pilger essay.

The Guardian

But she was uneasy about giving Mr. Chertoff too much control.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing historical events, "was uneasy about" can subtly convey underlying tensions or reservations held by individuals or groups.

Common error

While versatile, overuse of "was uneasy about" can make writing sound repetitive. Opt for stronger verbs or more specific adjectives to convey the nuance of the emotion. Alternatives like "felt apprehensive about" or "had reservations about" might provide a more precise tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was uneasy about" functions as a predicate adjective describing a state of feeling or emotion. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It modifies the subject by expressing a mild form of apprehension or discomfort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was uneasy about" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to express a feeling of mild discomfort, apprehension, or concern. Ludwig AI highlights that it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, avoid overusing it, especially in formal writing, where stronger verbs or more specific adjectives might be more appropriate. When writing, remember that "was uneasy about" conveys a subtle feeling of unease rather than intense anxiety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

felt apprehensive about

Focuses on the anticipation of something negative, emphasizing a feeling of anxiety.

felt concerned about

Highlights a sense of worry or care regarding a particular issue.

was worried about

Directly expresses a state of worry related to something.

felt uncomfortable with

Indicates a lack of ease or comfort with a situation or idea.

had reservations about

Implies a holding back or uncertainty about fully accepting something.

was skeptical of

Indicates doubt or disbelief regarding something.

was leery of

Suggests caution and suspicion.

felt dubious about

Implies uncertainty or doubt about the truth or quality of something.

felt insecure about

Highlights a lack of confidence or feeling of safety.

was anxious regarding

Emphasizes a state of worry and nervousness.

FAQs

How can I use "was uneasy about" in a sentence?

"Was uneasy about" is used to express a feeling of discomfort or mild anxiety regarding something. For example, "She was uneasy about the upcoming presentation" or "He was uneasy about the new policy changes".

What are some alternatives to "was uneasy about"?

You can use alternatives like "felt apprehensive about", "felt concerned about", or "had reservations about" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "I am uneasy about" instead of "I was uneasy about"?

Yes, "I am uneasy about" is correct. The tense simply changes depending on whether you're referring to a present or past feeling. "Was uneasy about" refers to a past feeling, while "am uneasy about" refers to a current feeling.

What's the difference between "was uneasy about" and "was worried about"?

"Was uneasy about" suggests a mild feeling of discomfort or apprehension, whereas "was worried about" implies a stronger sense of anxiety and concern. The intensity of the emotion differs between the two phrases.