worried demeanor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worried demeanor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's outward appearance or behavior that indicates concern or anxiety. Example: "Her worried demeanor suggested that she was anxious about the upcoming exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just as implausible were Mr. Gore's dressed-down forays into public, meant to telegraph a "What, me worry?" demeanor against a backdrop of increasingly heated legal wrangling.

The New York Times

The studio worried that Mears' pleasant demeanor might affect his ability to portray a menacing character, but Mears assured them he was suitable for the role.

Wikipedia

That said, some investors are worried that Wall Street's calm demeanor may encourage politicians to act too late against the dangers of default, The New York Times reports.

Huffington Post

Mears's pleasant demeanor had the studio worried about his ability to portray such a menacing character on screen, but Mears assured them he would be able to perform the role.

Wikipedia

His New England reserved, almost laconic demeanor on the trail has worried some Democrats.

The Washington Post

Her answer was to stress running as a woman and a black; her cheerful, intelligent demeanor must be reassuring to Democrats worried about Sharpton.

The New York Times

Of serious demeanor since his childhood, Gautam used to be worried easily by little things.

Huffington Post

But in the grandmothers' preparations for the meeting, their fearful demeanor and Sister Jeanne's sense that the Castro government was intruding behind the scenes, she said, "I began to experience something that worried me".

The New York Times

The new owners immediately begin a thorough evaluation of the plant and its employees, their more friendly demeanor pleasing all the workers save for Homer, who worries his lax work ethic as safety inspector will cost him his job.

Wikipedia

So far, so good, but I do worry about what she might be telling her shrink one day about my callous demeanor.

Los Angeles Times

Fear of failure is ubiquitous and often connected to a nearly existential angst: If forced to abandon their hopes for an academic career, many postdocs worry they would not be able to find any job at all due to their age, overspecialization, and a "too academic" demeanor.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "worried demeanor" to describe someone whose anxiety is evident in their behavior or appearance. It subtly conveys concern without being overly dramatic.

Common error

Avoid using "worried demeanor" when the person's emotion is better described as outright fear or panic. The phrase is best suited for mild to moderate levels of concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worried demeanor" functions as an adjective-noun combination describing a person's state of being. As Ludwig AI explains, it denotes an outward appearance that conveys a sense of concern or anxiety. It modifies the noun "demeanor" with the adjective "worried", indicating the specific quality of the demeanor.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "worried demeanor" is a valid and understandable phrase used to describe someone whose anxiety or concern is evident in their outward appearance and behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for describing a visible state of worry. While examples are somewhat limited, the phrase appears most commonly in news and media contexts. When using the phrase, consider whether "anxious demeanor" or "concerned expression" might be more precise depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anxious demeanor

Replaces "worried" with "anxious", emphasizing a state of unease and nervousness.

concerned expression

Shifts from "demeanor" to "expression", focusing on facial cues of worry.

apprehensive manner

Substitutes "worried" with "apprehensive", highlighting anticipation of potential problems.

troubled countenance

Uses more formal language to describe a face showing signs of worry.

agitated behavior

Focuses on the behavioral manifestation of worry, indicating restlessness.

uneasy disposition

Highlights a general sense of discomfort and worry in one's character.

distressed air

Emphasizes the overall impression of suffering and concern.

fearful presence

Indicates a demeanor marked by fear and apprehension.

nervous disposition

Focuses on the nervous aspect of a person's behavior due to worry.

perturbed appearance

Highlights how worry visibly disturbs a person's outward look.

FAQs

How can I describe a "worried demeanor" in simpler terms?

You could use phrases like "anxious look", "concerned expression", or "troubled appearance" depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

What does "worried demeanor" imply about a person's internal state?

It suggests that the person is experiencing some level of anxiety or concern, which is outwardly visible through their behavior and presentation.

Is "worried demeanor" a formal or informal expression?

It's generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "troubled countenance" may be preferred in certain academic or professional settings.

Can "worried demeanor" be used to describe animals or inanimate objects?

While primarily used for people, it could be metaphorically applied to animals if their behavior suggests anxiety. It is not typically used for inanimate objects.