worried

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "worried" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a feeling of concern or anxiety about a particular situation. For example: "I was feeling worried about my upcoming test."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Black worried to black and white worried to white.

The Guardian

"It makes me very worried for her, because I do not know whether she is alive or where she might be".

The Guardian

I was worried.

The New York Times

They are right to be worried.

The New York Times

Now I was only worried about how I was going to stand up if they asked me to.

The Guardian

Labour MPs admit privately they are all deeply worried about the SNP surge, which allows the SNP to challenge for seats where it was previously a distant also-ran.

The Guardian

And it came as the new prime minister Kevin Rudd also said he was worried that the constant arrival of asylum seekers by boat would see "the fragmentation of support" for Australia's migration system.

The Guardian

Or has he changed his mind because there's pressure in the Conservative party and he's worried about Ukip? "I contend it's the second, not the first.

The Guardian

"We only meet up once a year, the three of us, so we were worried that it wouldn't be open," she said.

The Guardian - Travel

Bartmes, another Chicago attorney, said that in September 2013 she got a call from a mother worried that her 15-year-old son had been picked up by police before dawn.

The Guardian

Lamb is worried that pledges he and then deputy prime minister Nick Clegg made to introduce a waiting time target for patients needing treatment for eating disorders may not be honoured.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "worried", clearly state the cause of the worry to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "I'm worried", specify "I'm worried about the upcoming presentation".

Common error

Avoid using "worried" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "concerned", "apprehensive", or "anxious" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "worried" primarily functions as an adjective, describing a state of concern or anxiety. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "worried" modifies nouns or pronouns, indicating the subject's emotional state. As Ludwig AI also points out, "worried" follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "worried" functions primarily as an adjective to express concern or anxiety, as confirmed by Ludwig. With a very common frequency, it's widely used, especially in News & Media. While grammatically correct, as per Ludwig AI, consider using synonyms like "concerned" or "anxious" in formal contexts to enhance sophistication. Remember to clearly state the cause of your worry to provide clarity. Authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times frequently employ this term, making it a reliable and versatile choice for expressing apprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anxious

Replaces "worried" with a synonym that emphasizes unease and apprehension.

apprehensive

Indicates a feeling of anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.

concerned

A more formal synonym for "worried", often used in professional contexts.

uneasy

Expresses a feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

nervous

Implies a state of agitation or anxiety.

perturbed

Suggests a state of being disturbed or agitated.

afraid

Highlights the fear aspect of being "worried".

solicitous

Emphasizes concern and care for someone else's well-being.

in suspense

Highlights the uncertainty and anticipation that contribute to worry.

distressed

Suggests a state of extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain.

FAQs

How can I use "worried" in a sentence?

You can use "worried" to express concern about something. For example, "She was "worried" about her son's health".

What are some alternatives to the word "worried"?

You can use alternatives like "anxious", "concerned", or "apprehensive" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I am worried"?

Yes, "I am "worried"" is grammatically correct. It uses the past participle of the verb "worry" as an adjective to describe a state of being.

What's the difference between "worried" and "anxious"?

"Worried" generally refers to concern about a specific situation, while "anxious" often implies a more general state of unease or nervousness.