worried thoughts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worried thoughts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of mind where someone is preoccupied or anxious about something. Example: "As she lay in bed, her worried thoughts kept her awake, replaying the events of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Worried thoughts Do We Have the Courage to Stop This?

The New York Times

I don't know how sending all of our children back to school this week can be done without those "worried thoughts" rushing in hard and fast.

The New York Times

Mental blocks are often associated with test anxiety, or feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and negative physiological reactions that occur when a person's abilities are being tested, but often occur during other activities as well (such as while doing homework or crafting an email).

Columbia University

According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety is "an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure". The symptoms vary from person to person and depend on the magnitude of the perceived threat.

Forbes

She may judge and reject you as the person responsible for thinking such worried thoughts.

Huffington Post

Set aside your worried thoughts and revel in what's good about the relationship.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

When worrying thoughts arise at other times, the trick is to save them for later and let them go.

The Guardian

Tossing and turning only serves to perpetuate worrying thoughts keeping you awake.

Forbes

You become aware (through your mindfulness practice) that certain thoughts are arising within you, let's say worry thoughts.

Huffington Post

A brain that is deficient in GABA receptors is essentially operating in overdrive, leaving you more prone to worrying thoughts, Koob says.

Vice

Stress and worrying thoughts maintained over a prolonged period of time can have a number of negative effects on physical and mental health.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "worried thoughts" to describe a state of mind, not necessarily a specific event. For example, "She was plagued by worried thoughts about her upcoming exam."

Common error

Don't self-diagnose or assume serious conditions based solely on having "worried thoughts". Persistent, overwhelming anxiety requires professional evaluation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worried thoughts" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "worried" modifies the noun "thoughts". It describes the character of the thoughts, indicating they are filled with concern or anxiety. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is usable in written English to describe a state of mind.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "worried thoughts" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a state of mental anxiety or preoccupation. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in written English. While it's prevalent across various contexts, it's most frequently found in news articles and academic writings. When using the expression, consider alternatives like "anxious thoughts" or "troubled thoughts" depending on the specific shade of meaning you intend to convey. It's important to note that while experiencing "worried thoughts" is normal, persistent and overwhelming anxiety may warrant professional consultation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anxious thoughts

Focuses on the anxiety aspect, implying a state of unease and apprehension.

troubled thoughts

Emphasizes the disturbance and mental distress caused by the thoughts.

apprehensive thoughts

Highlights a sense of fear or dread about future events.

concerned thoughts

Indicates a sense of worry and care about something or someone.

uneasy thoughts

Suggests a feeling of discomfort and anxiety.

preoccupied thoughts

Focuses on the state of being absorbed in thought, often about something negative.

ruminative thoughts

Highlights the repetitive and cyclical nature of the worrying.

distressing thoughts

Emphasizes the mental anguish caused by the thoughts.

fearful thoughts

Highlights thoughts dominated by fear.

obsessive thoughts

Indicates persistent, unwanted, and intrusive thoughts that cause distress.

FAQs

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

You can use "worried thoughts" to describe a state of anxiety or preoccupation. For example: "He couldn't sleep because of the "worried thoughts" racing through his mind."

What are some alternatives to saying "worried thoughts"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives such as "anxious thoughts", "troubled thoughts", or "concerned thoughts".

Is it grammatically correct to say "worried thoughts"?

Yes, "worried thoughts" is grammatically correct as it's a common construction using an adjective ("worried") to describe a noun ("thoughts").

When should I seek professional help for "worried thoughts"?

If your "worried thoughts" are persistent, overwhelming, and interfere with your daily life, it's important to consult a mental health professional.