widespread worry

USAGE SUMMARY

"widespread worry" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a general feeling of fear or anxiety among many people. For example, "The widespread worry over the economic downturn has caused people to be more conservative with their spending."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Widespread worry about the NHS's workforce "concerns me more than the money", said a third boss.

The Guardian

One widespread worry is whether any purely scientific theory can accommodate the subjective nature of human experience.

The Economist

But I've had to acknowledge the widespread worry that the Web cheapens content, and maybe even culture.

The New York Times - Magazine

Their posturing is built on a deep and widespread worry about the unfairness in the restitution for forgone land.

The Economist

There is widespread worry that austerity measures intended to reduce government debt will further choke Europe's economies.

The New York Times

Dr. Helms said he hoped that widespread worry about a pandemic flu would increase immunization rates against seasonal flu.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Mr Buffett has given voice to widespread worries about the administration's failure to prioritise.

The Economist

Indeed, widespread worries over a looming physician shortage are a relatively new phenomenon.

The New York Times

Still, within the M.D.C. there were widespread worries that Tsvangirai might be outmaneuvered.

The New Yorker

They quoted the operative in their column, feeding widespread worries about Mr. Quayle's qualifications.

The New York Times

He voiced widespread worries in Democratic circles about the Clintons' "politics of misrepresentation and distortion".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "widespread worry", clearly identify the cause or subject of the worry to provide context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "widespread worry" if the concern is only localized or affects a small group; ensure that the anxiety genuinely pervades a large segment of the population.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widespread worry" functions as a noun phrase, where "widespread" modifies the noun "worry". It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, describing a general state of concern or anxiety, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "widespread worry" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a general feeling of anxiety across a population. According to Ludwig's analysis, it is frequently used in news and media, as well as scientific and formal contexts. It conveys a shared concern about a specific issue, and is best used when that concern is genuinely prevalent. Related phrases like "general concern" and "public apprehension" offer similar meanings, while Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various real-world contexts. Therefore, consider source quality to accurately use the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general concern

Focuses on the feeling of concern being common, downplaying the anxiety aspect.

common anxiety

Highlights the anxiety aspect being shared, downplaying a specific source of the worry.

broad concern

Similar to "general concern", but suggests a wider scope of influence.

collective unease

Emphasizes the sense of discomfort felt by a group.

prevailing concern

Implies the concern is current and dominant.

public apprehension

More formal, emphasizing a feeling of unease about a future event.

societal apprehension

Highlights a more formal and systemic feeling of unease within society.

nationwide anxiety

Specific to a country, suggesting a widespread feeling across the entire nation.

mass anxiety

Suggests a large-scale feeling of intense anxiety.

overall anxiety

Highlights anxiety as a dominant emotion, but doesn't necessarily mean it's shared.

FAQs

How can I use "widespread worry" in a sentence?

You can use "widespread worry" to describe a general feeling of anxiety. For example, "There is "widespread worry" about the rising cost of living".

What can I say instead of "widespread worry"?

Alternatives include "general concern", "common anxiety", or "public apprehension", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "widespread worry" the same as "mass hysteria"?

No, "widespread worry" implies a shared concern or anxiety based on a plausible cause, while "mass hysteria" suggests an irrational or exaggerated emotional response.

How does "widespread worry" differ from "personal anxiety"?

"Widespread worry" describes a collective feeling shared by many, while "personal anxiety" refers to an individual's private feelings of unease or concern.