worry about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worry about" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is a verb phrase used to express concern over a certain situation. Example sentence: I was worried about the safety of my family during the storm.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't worry about me.

The New York Times

"People worry about that".

The New York Times - Tech

"Don't worry about us.

The New Yorker

Others worry about cost.

The New York Times

We worry about that.

The New Yorker

Worry about that.

The New York Times

I worry about him.

The New Yorker

Don't worry about everything.

The New York Times

Don't worry about loopholes".

The Economist

Some worry about hygiene.

The New York Times

Worry about the addiction".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "worry about", clearly specify the object of your concern to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "I worry", specify "I "worry about" the upcoming deadline".

Common error

Avoid using "worry about" without a clear object of concern. Vague statements like "I "worry about" things" lack clarity. Always specify what you are worried about for effective communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worry about" functions as a verb phrase expressing concern, anxiety, or apprehension regarding a specific subject or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. It is widely used, as shown in numerous examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

32%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "worry about" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase expressing concern or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in "News & Media" and "Wiki" sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both informal and semi-formal communication. While alternatives like "be concerned about" exist for more formal settings, "worry about" effectively conveys a state of apprehension. Remember to specify the object of concern for clarity and avoid vague statements to enhance communication effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be concerned about

Replaces "worry" with "be concerned", focusing on the state of concern rather than the act of worrying.

be uneasy about

Focuses on the feeling of unease or discomfort regarding a particular situation.

feel apprehensive about

Substitutes "worry" with "feel apprehensive", emphasizing a sense of unease about something in the future.

be anxious over

Emphasizes a state of anxiety, often implying a more intense level of worry.

have anxieties regarding

Uses a more formal tone by employing "anxieties regarding" instead of the simpler "worry about".

be troubled by

Indicates that something is causing mental distress or disturbance.

feel stress about

Highlights the stress induced by the concern, focusing on the emotional impact.

have misgivings about

Highlights doubts or reservations about something, implying a lack of trust or confidence.

have fears concerning

Directly expresses specific fears related to a situation or topic.

be preoccupied with

Focuses on the state of being mentally absorbed or excessively concerned with something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "worry about" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "be concerned about", "feel apprehensive about", or "be anxious over" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "worried for" instead of "worry about"?

While "worried for" can be used, "worry about" is generally more common and versatile. "Worried for" often implies concern for someone's well-being, whereas "worry about" can apply to various situations and objects of concern.

What's the difference between "worry about" and "be anxious about"?

Both phrases convey concern, but "worry about" is generally milder. "Be anxious about" suggests a higher level of nervousness or unease. You might "worry about" a deadline, but "be anxious about" a medical test result.

When should I use "worry about" in formal writing?

While acceptable, "worry about" is less formal. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "be concerned about" or "have reservations regarding" for a more professional tone.