worried for him

USAGE SUMMARY

"worried for him" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express concern or anxiety about someone's well-being or situation. Example: I couldn't help but feel worried for him as he struggled to find a job after being laid off.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"I was worried for him".

The New York Times - Sports

I worried for him, as well.

The Guardian - Books

She added, "It makes me terribly worried for him.

The New York Times

"He was knocked out and I was very worried for him," Keen said.

Independent

I worried for him, my mother and for my own future.

The Guardian - Opinion

He sounded so unwell that regardless of my own feelings, I was worried for him.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

You do worry for him.

The Guardian - Sport

Please don't worry for him.

The Guardian - Tech

Johnson says fuel poverty is profoundly worrying for him.

The Guardian - Business

When I heard the news, it made me worry for him.

The New York Times - Magazine

If he cannot sort out his problems quickly, the future looks worrying for him.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing concern, follow "worried for him" with a specific reason to provide context. For example, "I'm worried for him, given the dangerous conditions he's working in."

Common error

While "worried about him" is also correct, "worried for him" often implies a deeper sense of empathy and concern specifically for his well-being or situation. Consider the subtle difference in nuance when choosing between the two.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worried for him" functions as a prepositional phrase expressing concern or anxiety on behalf of another person. It indicates empathy and care towards the individual's situation or well-being. This is supported by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "worried for him" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey concern about someone's well-being. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate and usable in written English. While "worried about him" can be used interchangeably, "worried for him" often denotes a stronger sense of empathy. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase carries a neutral register, making it suitable for a broad audience. Alternatives such as "concerned about him" or "anxious about him" offer slight variations in nuance. Remember to provide specific reasons for your concern when using this phrase to add context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concerned about him

Focuses on the state of being concerned, which is a general feeling of worry or unease.

concerned for his well-being

Directly addresses his health, happiness, and general state of being.

anxious about him

Emphasizes a stronger sense of unease and nervousness regarding his situation.

apprehensive about him

Highlights a feeling of fear or dread about what might happen to him.

distressed about him

Indicates a significant level of emotional suffering and worry regarding him.

fearful for his safety

Specifically points to concerns about his physical well-being and protection.

uneasy about his situation

Highlights a feeling of discomfort and worry related to his current circumstances.

concerned regarding him

A formal way to express care and apprehension about someone's condition or future.

solicitous for his welfare

Implies a proactive and caring concern for his overall well-being and happiness.

perturbed by his circumstances

Suggests a sense of disruption and worry caused by his situation.

FAQs

How does "worried for him" differ from "worried about him"?

While both express concern, "worried for him" emphasizes empathy for his situation, whereas "worried about him" can be more general. The subtle difference often depends on the context.

What are some alternatives to "worried for him"?

You can use alternatives like "concerned about him", "anxious about him", or "apprehensive about him", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "worried for him"?

Yes, "worried for him" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English, especially in news and media contexts.

Can "worried for him" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "worried for him" can be used in formal writing, though it is more frequently found in news or opinion pieces. In highly formal contexts, consider alternatives like "concerned regarding him" for added gravitas.