worried about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'worried about' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express feeling anxious or uncertain about something. For example, 'She was worried about the result of the test'.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Worried about the markets?

The New York Times

Worried about crime?

The New York Times

I'm worried about you.

Independent

Worried about your drinking".

Independent

Worried about the NHS?

Independent

I worried about them.

The New Yorker

You worried about snoring.

The New York Times

"I'm worried about today.

The New York Times - Sports

I worried about dehydration.

The New York Times

We're worried about him.

The New Yorker

They're worried about primaries.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "worried about", ensure the object of your worry is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "I'm worried", specify "I'm "worried about" the upcoming exam".

Common error

While "worried about" is perfectly acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. In formal contexts, consider using synonyms like "concerned about", "anxious about", or expressing the concern directly such as, "I have concerns regarding..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worried about" functions as a predicate adjective describing a state of concern or anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is frequently used to express feeling anxious or uncertain about something. For example, "I'm "worried about" the future".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

20%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "worried about" is a common and grammatically sound way to express anxiety or concern. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its frequent use across various contexts, including news, science, and informal writing. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of overuse, especially in formal writing, and to consider synonyms like "concerned about" or "anxious about" for variety. The phrase functions as a predicate adjective, conveying a state of unease or solicitude regarding a specific subject or situation. Remember to clarify the object of your worry to avoid ambiguity and ensure effective communication. Overall, "worried about" is a reliable and widely understood expression for conveying concern in both written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concerned about

Focuses more on a sense of care and responsibility than outright fear.

anxious about

Emphasizes a state of nervousness and apprehension.

apprehensive about

Highlights a feeling of dread or unease regarding a future event.

fearful of

Indicates a stronger sense of dread and potential danger.

uneasy about

Suggests a subtle feeling of discomfort or lack of certainty.

concerned for

Expresses worry specifically for the well-being of someone.

distressed about

Conveys a greater level of emotional suffering and anxiety.

perturbed by

Implies a mild level of disturbance or annoyance.

solicitous of

Suggests attentiveness and concern for someone's needs.

insecure about

Focuses on a lack of confidence or certainty about something.

FAQs

How can I use "worried about" in a sentence?

You can use "worried about" to express concern or anxiety about something. For example, "I'm "worried about" the upcoming presentation" or "She's "worried about" her health".

What are some alternatives to "worried about"?

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

Is it correct to say "worry about" instead of "worried about"?

"Worry about" is a verb phrase indicating the act of worrying, while "worried about" is an adjective phrase describing a state of being anxious. For example, "I worry about my future" vs. "I am "worried about" my future".

What's the difference between "worried about" and "concerned about"?

While similar, "worried about" often implies a higher level of anxiety or fear, while "concerned about" can suggest a more general sense of care or responsibility. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.