worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'worry' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an anxious feeling or emotion brought on by anticipating or considering possible misfortune or trouble. Example sentence: I can't stop worrying about my upcoming exams.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But don't worry.

The New York Times

A healthy "attention span" becomes just another ineffable quality to remember having, to believe you've lost, to worry about your kids lacking, to blame the culture for destroying.

The New York Times - Magazine

People would pay their taxes when they buy things and wouldn't need to worry about keeping records or filing tax returns at all.

The New York Times

"Nothing to worry about".

The New York Times

So nothing to worry about?

The New York Times

Constantly checking my phone not only makes me bad company (sorry friends), but it makes me worry that there's something I'm missing or something I've failed to cover in one of my stories.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But while rural dwellers in particular chafe at restrictions and heavy-handed enforcement – which has included forced abortions – many in cities are used to the policy and seem largely indifferent, or like the idea of increasing their families but worry about the financial impact.

The Guardian

Leonard spends much of his time talking to people at the core of the EU, and of late, he has started to pick up rising worry about whether the UK might leave.

The Guardian

Three nights with nothing to do but walk and read, and no one to worry about but myself - it sounds like bliss now I'm over my initial sad-sack mindset.

The Guardian - Travel

How that will function in the heat and humidity of Cuiaba is an issue that appears not to worry the manager.

The Guardian - Sport

"The worry that Hungary could be a Trojan horse for the Russians in the EU is just nonsense," said Kovács.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "worry", be specific about the cause of the worry to provide clarity and context for your reader.

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "I worry". Instead, clarify what you are worrying about, such as "I worry about the upcoming deadline" to make your writing more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The word "worry" functions primarily as a verb expressing the act of feeling anxious or troubled about actual or potential problems. It also functions as a noun referring to a state of anxiety or a cause of concern. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

News & Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "worry" is a versatile word that functions as both a verb and a noun, commonly used to express feelings of anxiety and concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable in English writing. Its frequency in news and media demonstrates its neutrality, fitting both formal and informal communications. When employing "worry", specificity enhances clarity. Synonyms like "fret" and "be anxious" offer alternative shades of meaning, enriching expression. Overusing the term without specifying the concern can weaken the writing; hence, precision is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fret about

Implies a more agitated and restless form of worrying.

be anxious

Focuses more directly on the state of anxiety rather than the act of worrying.

have anxieties

Focuses on the specific anxieties one experiences.

feel concerned

Emphasizes a sense of care and responsibility, often milder than "worry".

experience concern

Highlights the feeling of concern as a personal experience.

be apprehensive

Highlights a sense of dread or fear about a future event.

be uneasy

Indicates a lack of comfort or peace of mind.

be stressed

Highlights the physiological and psychological strain of worry.

be perturbed

Indicates a state of mild alarm or disturbance.

dwell on

Suggests a prolonged and often unproductive focus on negative thoughts.

FAQs

How can I use "worry" in a sentence?

You can use "worry" as a verb, such as "Don't worry about the small stuff", or as a noun, such as "My main worry is the cost".

What are some synonyms for "worry"?

Alternatives include "fret", "be anxious", or "feel concerned", each carrying slightly different nuances.

What's the difference between "worry" and "anxiety"?

"Worry" is often a reaction to a specific concern, while "anxiety" is a more general and persistent feeling of unease or apprehension.

Is it correct to say "I'm worrying"?

Yes, "I'm worrying" is grammatically correct and represents a continuous or ongoing state of worry. However, it can sometimes sound less natural than "I worry", depending on the context.