What is worry? Pronunciation and usage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "worry" in English. It's a common word, but it has nuances and different ways to express it.

1. Basic Meaning: Feeling Anxious or Concerned

At its core, "worry" means to feel anxious or troubled about something, especially about a possible problem or difficulty.

• Example: "I worry about my son's exam." (I feel anxious about how his exam will go.)
• Example: "She worries a lot about her health." (She is frequently troubled by her health.)

2. Forms of the Verb "Worry"

• Worry (verb - present tense): As shown above – the basic form.

• Worried (adjective): Describes feeling worried.

• Worrying (present participle/gerund): Used with verbs like "stop," "start," "continue," and "avoid."

• Worryed (archaic): Rarely used today; "worried" is the standard.

  • Example: "I need to stop worrying about things I can't control."
  • Example: "He’s a worried man." (Describing his state of mind)

3. Different Ways to Express Worry (with variations in intensity)

• To be concerned: A more formal way to say you're worried.
  • Example: “I’m concerned about the rising cost of living.”
• To fret: To worry excessively, often about small things.
  • Example: "She frets over every little detail."
• To be anxious: Closely related to worry, but often implies a stronger emotional response.
  • Example: "He's anxious about the upcoming job interview."
• To have a care: (Colloquial, mostly British) – Similar to “to worry.”
  • Example: "Don't have a care in the world!" (Don't worry about anything.)
• To be up at night worrying: (Idiomatic) - Refers to sleeplessness due to worry.
  • Example: “I was up at night worrying about the presentation.”

4. Phrases Using "Worry"

• Don't worry: A common expression of reassurance.
• It's alright to worry: Acknowledges that worrying is a normal human experience.
• Worry about something: Focus on the subject you are feeling worried about.
• Worry lines: Wrinkles on the face caused by frowning (from worry).

5. Examples in Sentences (showing variety)

• "I worry that the project won't be finished on time."
• "She’s constantly worrying about her children’s safety."
• “He’s a naturally worried person.”
• “Please don’t worry; we’ll figure it out.”
• "I was worried sick when I couldn't reach her."
• “He worries about money a lot.”

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

• What kind of context are you thinking about? (e.g., writing an essay, speaking conversationally, etc.)
• Are there any specific situations where you want to use the word "worry"?