worried sick

USAGE SUMMARY

'worried sick' is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
This phrase is used to signify that someone is extremely anxious or worried about something. For example, "I was worried sick when my daughter didn't come home last night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm worried sick for them.

The Guardian

"She's worried sick about me, and I'm worried sick about her.

The New York Times - Health

I've been worried sick about you.

The Guardian - Books

"I'm worried sick for Bud Selig.

The New York Times

"My mother is worried sick," he said.

The New York Times

People are worried sick by climate change.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Of course we were worried sick," she added hastily.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I'm worried sick about his safety," O'Connell said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I am extremely concerned and worried sick for Baquer's health".

The Guardian

Back in California, his mother was worried sick.

The New York Times

Booth says she's "worried sick" about the protestors.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing the phrase in formal writing. While acceptable, it is often more impactful when used sparingly to highlight particularly stressful situations.

Common error

Don't use "worried sick" for mild concern. This phrase is reserved for situations where anxiety is overwhelming and significantly impacts one's emotional state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worried sick" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe a state of extreme anxiety or concern. It amplifies the feeling of worry, suggesting a level of distress that can have physical effects. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is acceptable and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "worried sick" is a common idiomatic expression used to express a high degree of anxiety or concern. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent use in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While its meaning is clear, it's best reserved for situations where worry is truly intense, as overusing it can diminish its impact. Alternatives like "extremely anxious" or "deeply concerned" can be used for variety, but "worried sick" remains a powerful way to convey profound worry.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely anxious

Focuses on the anxiety level rather than the physical manifestation of worry.

deeply concerned

Emphasizes the level of care and attention given to a particular issue or person.

distraught with worry

Emphasizes the mental and emotional anguish caused by concern.

beside oneself with worry

Highlights the extreme emotional state caused by worry.

very apprehensive

Highlights a sense of foreboding and unease about the future.

on tenterhooks

Implies a state of nervous anticipation and suspense.

in a stew

Conveys a state of nervous excitement or worry.

in a state of agitation

Focuses on the restless and disturbed state of mind.

fretting

Suggests a constant and often unproductive state of worry.

consumed with anxiety

Highlights that worry is taking up all of someone's focus and energy.

FAQs

What does "worried sick" mean?

The phrase "worried sick" means to be extremely anxious or concerned about something or someone. It suggests a level of worry that is so intense it can almost make you feel physically ill.

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

You might say, "I was "worried sick" when my son didn't come home last night", indicating a high level of anxiety and concern for his safety.

What are some alternatives to saying "worried sick"?

Alternatives include "extremely anxious", "deeply concerned", or "beside oneself with worry". These phrases convey similar levels of anxiety, but with varying degrees of intensity.

Is it grammatically correct to say "worried sick"?

Yes, "worried sick" is a grammatically correct and commonly used idiomatic expression in English. It is widely accepted and understood in both spoken and written contexts.