were uneasy about

USAGE SUMMARY

"were uneasy about" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a feeling of discomfort or worry about a particular situation or event. Example: The students were uneasy about the upcoming exam, as they had not had enough time to study.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

James Conlon, the music director of the Paris Opéra, observed in a talk last month that concertgoers were uneasy about discussing classical music, but confident in their responses to film.

The New York Times

The other workers were uneasy about him.

The New Yorker

At first, some intelligence experts were uneasy about drone attacks.

The New Yorker

Still, they were uneasy about seeing each other again.

The New York Times

Paul's grassroots supporters were uneasy about his evolving positions on key issues.

The New Yorker

Even some of Mr Obama's own senior officials were uneasy about their publication.

The Economist

Still, even some Fed officials were uneasy about the acquisition of Bear Stearns's mortgage securities.

The New Yorker

Some Democrats said they were uneasy about that as the country struggled to end a recession.

The New York Times

Many voters were uneasy about allowing the president to extend his period in office.

The Guardian

Poorer Eastern European states that had recently joined the EU, however, were uneasy about committing funds to help other countries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Organizers were uneasy about young runners, but it was not until 1981, records show, that age 16 became the requirement.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, clearly state the reason for the unease to provide context and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "were uneasy about" when a stronger emotion like fear or dread is more appropriate. "Unease" implies a mild discomfort, not intense negative feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were uneasy about" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating a state of mild discomfort, anxiety, or concern regarding a specific situation, decision, or event. As confirmed by Ludwig, this is a correct and common phrase used to describe a feeling of discomfort or worry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were uneasy about" is a versatile phrase used to express a feeling of discomfort or mild anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Predominantly found in news and media, it effectively conveys apprehension without resorting to stronger terms like "fear" or "dread". When writing, consider whether the level of discomfort truly aligns with the situation, or if a more intense emotion is more appropriate. By understanding its nuances and potential alternatives like "felt apprehensive about" or "had reservations about", you can communicate more precisely and effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were worried about

Uses "worried" instead of "uneasy", highlighting a state of anxiety and preoccupation.

felt anxious about

Replaces "uneasy" with "anxious", emphasizing a state of nervousness or agitation.

felt apprehensive about

Replaces "uneasy" with "apprehensive", emphasizing a feeling of anxiety or fear about something.

had concerns regarding

Substitutes "uneasy" with "concerns", focusing on specific worries or issues related to a topic.

were uncomfortable with

Focuses on a feeling of physical or emotional discomfort, rather than worry.

had reservations about

Expresses doubts or hesitations about something, rather than a general feeling of unease.

felt doubtful about

Similar to "skeptical", but emphasizes a lack of confidence in something.

were skeptical of

Indicates doubt or disbelief towards something, implying a questioning attitude.

were disturbed by

Indicates a feeling of being upset or troubled by something.

had misgivings about

Expresses feelings of doubt or apprehension about the likely outcome or consequences of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "were uneasy about" to express mild concern or a lack of comfort regarding something. For example: "The investors "were uneasy about" the company's future growth."

What's a more formal way to express "were uneasy about"?

A more formal alternative could be "had reservations about". This phrase suggests a more considered and perhaps professional level of concern.

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

Yes, but the choice depends on the subject. Use "was" with singular subjects (e.g., "He was uneasy about the decision") and "were" with plural subjects (e.g., "They "were uneasy about" the changes").

What's the difference between "were uneasy about" and "were anxious about"?

"Were uneasy about" suggests a mild discomfort or concern, while "were anxious about" implies a stronger feeling of worry or nervousness. The intensity of emotion is the primary difference.