In 15 Seconds
- Used to explain actions motivated by anxiety or concern.
- Common in family, health, and professional contexts.
- More precise and thoughtful than simply saying 'I'm scared'.
Meaning
This phrase describes doing something because you are feeling anxious or concerned. It explains that worry is the primary motivation or reason behind your actions.
Key Examples
3 of 6Checking on a friend who didn't text back
Je t'ai appelé trois fois par l'inquiétude.
I called you three times out of worry.
A parent explaining why they stayed up late
Elle ne pouvait pas dormir, gagnée par l'inquiétude.
She couldn't sleep, overcome by worry.
Formal business email about a delay
Nous avons modifié le plan par l'inquiétude d'un retard possible.
We modified the plan due to concern over a possible delay.
Cultural Background
In French philosophy (like Pascal), 'inquiétude' is seen as a fundamental human trait—the inability to be at rest. In Quebec, 'inquiétude' is used similarly, but you might also hear 'se faire du mauvais sang' (to make bad blood) for worrying. Belgian French uses 'par l'inquiétude' in formal contexts, but 'trac' is often used for specific performance anxiety. In countries like Senegal or Ivory Coast, 'l'inquiétude' can be expressed through proverbs about the heart being 'heavy'.
The 'Why' Rule
Whenever you want to explain 'why' you did something emotional, try 'par + [emotion]' instead of 'parce que'.
Don't over-nasalize
The 'in' in 'inquiétude' is nasal, but the 'qui' is a sharp 'kee' sound. Don't let the nasal sound bleed into the next syllable.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to explain actions motivated by anxiety or concern.
- Common in family, health, and professional contexts.
- More precise and thoughtful than simply saying 'I'm scared'.
What It Means
Imagine you are waiting for a friend. They are two hours late. You start pacing. You call their phone five times. Why? Because you are worried. In French, you say you did it par l'inquiétude. It means "out of worry" or "driven by anxiety." It is the fuel for your actions. It explains the nervous energy behind what you do. It’s a very human expression. It shows you care deeply about the outcome. It’s not just a feeling; it’s a reason for behaving a certain way.
How To Use It
You usually put this at the end of a sentence. It acts as a justification. You describe an action first, then you add the phrase. For example: "I checked the stove par l'inquiétude." It works with almost any verb of action. You can also start a sentence with it to be more dramatic. "Driven by worry, he called the police." In French: Par l'inquiétude, il a appelé la police. It is quite flexible. Just remember the l' is often used to point to a specific worry you already mentioned.
When To Use It
Use it when the stakes are high. It’s perfect for family matters. If your child isn't home on time, use it. If a friend is sick, use it. It also works in professional settings. Maybe a project is failing. You might send an extra email par l'inquiétude. It sounds more professional than saying "I was panicking." It suggests a thoughtful, albeit nervous, concern. It’s a great way to soften a message. It explains your intensity to others so they don't think you're just being annoying.
When NOT To Use It
Don’t use it for small, silly things. If you’re worried about a movie ending, it’s too strong. Don’t use it for physical terror. If a bear is chasing you, use par peur. Inquiétude is more about the mind and the future. It’s about "what if" scenarios. Also, avoid it in very casual slang with teenagers. They might just say "Je flippais." Save this phrase for when you want to be clear about your motives. It’s about the *reason*, not just the raw emotion.
Cultural Background
The French have a complex relationship with worry. They often value being "prévoyant" (foresighted). Being worried shows you are thinking ahead. It’s not always seen as a weakness. Often, it is seen as a sign of attachment or responsibility. In French literature, characters are frequently rongés par l'inquiétude. It’s a classic trope. It shows a deep, internal struggle. It’s a very "existential" phrase that fits the French love for psychological depth and analyzing one's own mind.
Common Variations
You will often hear par inquiétude without the l'. This is slightly more general and very common. You might also hear poussé par l'inquiétude. This means "pushed by worry." If you are really stressed, try rongé par l'inquiétude. That means "eaten by worry." It’s very dramatic and great for storytelling. Another one is saisi par l'inquiétude. This means worry suddenly "seized" you. Each variation adds a little more flavor to your specific brand of stress!
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and works in almost any setting. In very informal texting, you might drop the article and just say 'par inquiétude'. It is a safe, polite way to explain why you might be acting a bit over-the-top.
The 'Why' Rule
Whenever you want to explain 'why' you did something emotional, try 'par + [emotion]' instead of 'parce que'.
Don't over-nasalize
The 'in' in 'inquiétude' is nasal, but the 'qui' is a sharp 'kee' sound. Don't let the nasal sound bleed into the next syllable.
Verbs to pair
Pair it with 'agir' (to act), 'appeler' (to call), or 'vérifier' (to check) for maximum naturalness.
Honesty
In France, admitting you acted 'par l'inquiétude' is seen as humble and relatable, not weak.
Examples
6Je t'ai appelé trois fois par l'inquiétude.
I called you three times out of worry.
Explains the repetitive calling in a friendly way.
Elle ne pouvait pas dormir, gagnée par l'inquiétude.
She couldn't sleep, overcome by worry.
Describes a state of being driven by concern.
Nous avons modifié le plan par l'inquiétude d'un retard possible.
We modified the plan due to concern over a possible delay.
Uses the phrase to justify a professional decision.
Désolé pour tous les messages, c'est juste par l'inquiétude !
Sorry for all the messages, it's just out of worry!
A common way to apologize for being 'clingy'.
J'ai mangé tout le gâteau par l'inquiétude de le voir périmer.
I ate the whole cake out of worry that it would expire.
A funny way to use a serious phrase for a trivial action.
Saisi par l'inquiétude, il se précipita vers la fenêtre.
Seized by worry, he rushed to the window.
High drama usage common in literature.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form: 'par l'inquiétude'.
Il a vérifié trois fois si le gaz était éteint ________.
We use 'par' to show the cause of the action (checking the gas).
Which sentence is most natural?
Why did she call the police?
'Par' is the standard preposition for motivation in this context.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Pourquoi tu ne manges pas ? B: Je ne peux pas, je suis ________.
When describing a state that prevents eating, 'rongé par' (gnawed by) is a common and vivid collocation.
Match the action to the reason 'par l'inquiétude'.
Which action fits 'par l'inquiétude' best?
This action is directly motivated by concern for safety/health.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Par vs Avec
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIl a vérifié trois fois si le gaz était éteint ________.
We use 'par' to show the cause of the action (checking the gas).
Why did she call the police?
'Par' is the standard preposition for motivation in this context.
A: Pourquoi tu ne manges pas ? B: Je ne peux pas, je suis ________.
When describing a state that prevents eating, 'rongé par' (gnawed by) is a common and vivid collocation.
Which action fits 'par l'inquiétude' best?
This action is directly motivated by concern for safety/health.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsIt is feminine because 'inquiétude' is a feminine noun ({la|f}).
Yes, but 'par l'inquiétude' is more common when the worry is the general cause. 'Par mon inquiétude' sounds more personal.
'Souci' is a specific problem or care. 'Inquiétude' is the emotional state of being worried.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends, at work, or in writing.
No, 'inquiétude' is always about concern or worry. For positive things, use 'par curiosité' or 'par amour'.
You say 'par pure inquiétude'.
In the context of emotions followed by a noun, yes. Par peur, par jalousie, par inquiétude.
Yes! 'Par l'inquiétude, il a tout annulé.' is very effective.
Very common. Journalists use it to explain why markets or politicians react to events.
There isn't a direct slang version of the phrase, but you'd say 'parce que je flippais' (because I was freaking out).
No, you don't 'feel by worry'. You 'act by worry'. You 'feel worry' (Je sens de l'inquiétude).
Yes, 'par l'inquiétude' is singular, but you can have 'des inquiétudes' (worries).
Par sérénité (out of serenity) or par confiance (out of confidence).
Yes, many French chansons use it to describe the restlessness of love.
Related Phrases
par peur
similarout of fear
par souci de
similarout of concern for
rongé par l'inquiétude
builds ongnawed by worry
sans inquiétude
contrastwithout worry
poussé par l'inquiétude
specialized formpushed by worry
