worried citizens

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worried citizens" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe individuals who are feeling anxious or concerned about a particular issue or situation affecting their community or society. Example: "In light of the recent events, worried citizens gathered at the town hall to voice their concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Worried citizens stay at home after dusk.

The Economist

And as Hurricane Irene moves up the East Coast, worried citizens are stocking up on supplies.

The New Yorker

The city authorities and the Federal Aviation Agency were immediately besieged by calls from worried citizens.

The New Yorker

Worried citizens are stockpiling necessities, with a panicked run on petrol causing mile-long queues and snarled traffic.

The Economist

The MEP said he had received thousands of letters from worried citizens, both British nationals on the continent and EU citizens in the UK.

The Guardian

When the Montana Legislature convened this year, for the first time since power prices soared, it was besieged by worried citizens and businesses.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"I don't need to go back into politics, but of course as a worried citizen I will express my views even if those views are critical of the government to make sure Israel is back on the right track and moving to the right direction".  .

TechCrunch

The Tory MP Julian Knight said: "So I can now tell the worried EU citizens who do come to my surgery on this issue that it is the EU which is holding them to ransom".

The Guardian

So don't be too worried, Concerned Citizen of Leicester – it might not be so bad after all.

The Guardian - Opinion

By grasping the nettle and indicating a very public change of direction, the Icelandic government will also gain a welcome respite from the heavy criticism that has erupted from a mixture of angry foreign governments, panicking Icesave customers, distressed Icelandic citizens and worried local councils in the UK, all of whom stand to lose even more money if the crisis deepens.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although these schemes, which offer residency or citizenship in return for buying property or investing in a country, are open only to non-EU citizens, worried Britons have been inquiring since the country took the decision to leave the EU in 2016.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "worried citizens", clearly specify what they are worried about to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For instance, "Worried citizens expressed concerns about the new environmental regulations."

Common error

Don't use "worried citizens" as a blanket term without providing specific details about their concerns. Vague statements can diminish the impact and credibility of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worried citizens" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "worried" modifies the noun "citizens". Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically sound and widely accepted. The phrase serves to identify a group of people experiencing anxiety or concern.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "worried citizens" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a group of people experiencing anxiety or concern, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to express public apprehension and often prompts discussion or action. While versatile, specifying the source of worry enhances clarity. Alternative phrases like "concerned residents" or "anxious community members" offer nuanced variations. Remember to avoid overgeneralization to maintain credibility. In summary, using "worried citizens" effectively involves providing context and choosing the right tone for your intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Anxious residents

Replaces "citizens" with "residents", focusing on those living in a specific area and their feeling of anxiety.

Concerned community members

Uses "community members" to highlight a local group sharing a common concern.

Apprehensive populace

Employs "populace" for a broader, more formal reference to the general public's unease.

Fearful inhabitants

Substitutes "citizens" with "inhabitants", emphasizing a sense of fear among those living in a place.

Uneasy constituents

Replaces "citizens" with "constituents", implying a relationship with a representative or government.

Distressed public

Uses "public" to refer to the general population experiencing distress.

Alarmed society

Refers to society as a whole feeling alarmed, indicating widespread worry.

Solicitous individuals

Emphasizes the caring and attentive nature of the concerned people.

Fretful denizens

Uses "denizens" to describe inhabitants filled with worry.

Agitated population

Highlights a state of unrest and excitement among the population.

FAQs

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

You can use "worried citizens" to describe a group of people who are anxious or concerned about a particular issue. For example, "Worried citizens are calling for stricter gun control laws".

What are some alternative phrases for "worried citizens"?

Alternatives include "concerned residents", "anxious community members", or "apprehensive populace", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "worried citizens" in formal writing?

Yes, "worried citizens" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news reports or articles discussing public concerns. However, consider more formal alternatives like "concerned public" in academic or business contexts.

What distinguishes "worried citizens" from "concerned citizens"?

While both phrases convey anxiety, "worried" implies a more immediate or personal apprehension, whereas "concerned" suggests a more general care or interest. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.