Phrasal verb
worry about
Definition
phrasal verb. to feel nervous or unhappy because you are thinking about problems or bad things that might happen.
phrasal verb. to experience anxiety or apprehension regarding a specific subject or potential outcome. The verb is intransitive but takes a prepositional object introduced by 'about'.
Examples
“Don't worry about the mess; I will clean it later.”
“Many parents worry about their children's safety when they start walking to school alone.”
“Economists worry about the long-term implications of rising inflation on the purchasing power of middle-income households.”
Examples
simple
“Don't worry about the mess; I will clean it later.”
contextual
“Many parents worry about their children's safety when they start walking to school alone.”
complex
“Economists worry about the long-term implications of rising inflation on the purchasing power of middle-income households.”
Usage
The object is usually the cause of the anxiety, such as a person, a situation, or a future event.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'care about' (to find something important) to help students distinguish between anxiety and general interest.
Pitfall
I am worrying for my exams.
I am worrying about my exams.
Learners often incorrectly use 'for' instead of the standard preposition 'about' with this verb.
Phrasal verb
Particles
about
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
worry + about + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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