worried whether

USAGE SUMMARY

"worried whether" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone experiencing anxiousness or doubt about something. For example, "She was worried whether the results of her test would be satisfactory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Nitzsche was worried whether her background would count against her.

The Guardian

I worried whether I'd go back to writing properly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She meanwhile worried whether she could really count on me.

The New York Times - Style

"I've never worried whether somebody else thought it was the right thing," he said.

The Economist

Still, Mr. Jonas said he was worried whether "Fastlife" would find an audience.

The New York Times

I worried whether the barrage of shattering surprises would disorient you.

The New York Times

Moira Noble said she never worried whether her three-bedroom house would hold four children.

The New York Times

"I was always worried whether I was going to heaven or hell," he concedes.

The Guardian - Music

Ian and I were worried whether things were going to be all right.

The Guardian - Sport

But he worried whether some students were fully prepared to take A.P. courses, which he likened to running a marathon.

The New York Times

Democrats in Washington are worried whether they will be able to hold on to the seat should she step aside.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing concern about a future event, ensure the "whether" clause clearly articulates the uncertain condition. For instance, "She was worried whether the project would meet its deadline" clarifies the source of her worry.

Common error

While "if" and "whether" are often interchangeable, "whether" is more appropriate when presenting two distinct alternatives or possibilities. Avoid using "if" when a clear choice or outcome is being considered. Consider replacing "if" with whether to improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worried whether" functions as a connector to express anxiety or concern regarding a conditional or uncertain outcome. It links the feeling of worry to a specific situation or possibility, as demonstrated in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "worried whether" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express concern about a conditional outcome. According to Ludwig, it functions as a connector, linking a feeling of anxiety to a specific uncertain situation. While it is broadly applicable, it is most frequently found in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts. When using "worried whether", ensure that the "whether" clause clearly defines the uncertain condition. Be mindful of potential confusion with "if"; "whether" is generally preferred when presenting distinct alternatives. Remember, as Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-established and suitable for expressing concern in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concerned if

Replaces "whether" with "if", simplifying the conditional clause while maintaining the core meaning of concern.

anxious about if

Substitutes "worried" with "anxious about", emphasizing a heightened state of concern regarding a condition.

apprehensive about if

Replaces "worried" with "apprehensive about", indicating a sense of foreboding about a specific condition.

doubtful if

Shifts the focus to doubt rather than worry, questioning the likelihood of a particular condition.

uncertain if

Highlights the lack of certainty regarding a condition, reducing the emotional intensity compared to "worried".

wondering if

Expresses curiosity mixed with concern, softening the anxiety associated with "worried".

concerned about the possibility of

Rephrases the concern to focus explicitly on the possibility of a particular event, adding formality.

having doubts about

Emphasizes the presence of doubt, a cognitive aspect of worry, about a certain outcome.

questioning whether

Highlights the act of questioning the likelihood of something, indicating a deliberative state of uncertainty.

fearful about if

Replaces "worried" with "fearful about", increasing the intensity to outright fear regarding a specific condition.

FAQs

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

Use "worried whether" to express concern or anxiety about a possible outcome. For example, "I was worried whether I would pass the exam."

Is it grammatically correct to use "worried whether"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Worried whether" is commonly used to express concern about a conditional outcome.

What are some alternatives to "worried whether"?

Alternatives include "concerned if", "anxious about if", or "doubtful if", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When should I use "worried whether" instead of "worried about"?

Use "worried whether" when expressing concern about a specific conditional outcome or choice. Use "worried about" when expressing concern about a general situation or thing.