B1 noun #3,000 most common 4 min read

心配事

A worry is something that makes you feel anxious or troubled.

shinpai goto

Explanation at your level:

Hello! The word worry means something that makes you feel a little bit scared or sad. It's like when you think about something that might be bad. For example, if you lost your toy, that's a worry. Or if you have a test tomorrow, that is also a worry. It's okay to have worries sometimes. We can talk about our worries with friends or family.

A worry is something that makes you feel anxious or concerned. It's often about something in the future that you are not sure about. For example, 'My main worry is that I won't have enough money for the trip.' This means the person is concerned about their finances for the holiday. We can also say 'Don't worry!' to tell someone not to be anxious. It's a common feeling, and many people experience worries about school, work, or family.

When we talk about a worry, we mean a specific concern or cause for anxiety. It's something that occupies your thoughts and causes unease, often related to potential future problems. For instance, 'The increasing cost of living is a major worry for many families.' This implies it's a significant issue causing widespread concern. You might also hear the phrase 'a cause for worry', indicating something that is likely to lead to anxiety. Understanding your worries is the first step to addressing them effectively.

A worry, in its noun form, refers to a source of anxiety or a matter of concern. It's a subject that troubles the mind, often characterized by uncertainty and a potential for negative outcomes. For example, 'Job security has become a significant worry for people in this industry.' This indicates that the stability of employment is a widespread concern. The term can also describe the state of being troubled, though the verb form 'to worry' is more common for describing the feeling itself. Recognizing the specific 'worries' in a situation helps in planning and mitigation.

The noun worry denotes a specific subject or issue that induces a state of apprehension, anxiety, or unease. It signifies a particular point of contention or uncertainty that occupies one's mental faculties, often with implications for future well-being. For instance, 'The potential environmental impact of the new development is a primary worry for local residents.' This highlights a specific concern driving community anxiety. The term implies a tangible or identifiable source of distress, distinct from a general feeling of anxiety. It is often used when discussing societal issues, personal finances, or health concerns where specific outcomes are uncertain.

As a lexical item, worry (noun) encapsulates a discrete element that precipitates psychological distress, manifesting as apprehension or solicitude concerning potential adverse eventualities. It represents a focal point of cognitive preoccupation, often stemming from ambiguity or a perceived threat to one's equilibrium or objectives. For example, 'The geopolitical instability presents a complex web of worries for international investors, ranging from supply chain disruptions to currency fluctuations.' This usage highlights the multifaceted nature of concerns in sophisticated contexts. Etymologically linked to the concept of 'strangling', the noun retains a sense of being mentally constricted by the issue at hand, underscoring its significant impact on an individual's or group's mental state.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Noun: A cause or state of anxiety.
  • Verb: To feel anxious or troubled.
  • Common phrases: 'cause for worry', 'no need to worry'.
  • Related to: fear, concern, anxiety.

Hey there! Let's dive into the word worry. When we talk about a 'worry', we're usually referring to something that's causing us to feel anxious, uneasy, or concerned. Think of it as a thought or a situation that keeps popping into your head and makes you feel a bit unsettled. It's that little voice that says, 'What if...?' or 'Oh no, this might be a problem!'

These 'worries' can range from tiny things, like forgetting your homework, to much bigger concerns, like a friend being sick or a big test coming up. They can be about the past, the present, or most commonly, the future. Understanding what a worry is helps us manage those feelings and tackle the things that are causing them. It's a very common human experience, so you're definitely not alone when you feel worried!

The word worry has a fascinating journey through history! It comes to us from Old English, where it was wyrigan, meaning 'to choke, strangle, or suffocate'. Can you imagine? It suggests a feeling of being overwhelmed or trapped by something negative. Over time, this meaning evolved.

By the Middle English period, around the 14th century, the word had shifted towards its modern sense of 'to trouble, vex, or harass'. The idea of being 'strangled' by thoughts or concerns gradually transformed into the feeling of being troubled by them. It's interesting how the core idea of being negatively affected by something persists, even as the specific imagery changes. This evolution shows how language adapts to express our inner emotional states more precisely.

So, how do we actually use the word worry in a sentence? As a noun, it refers to the cause of anxiety. For instance, you might say, 'My biggest worry right now is passing this exam.' Here, 'worry' is the specific thing causing concern.

We often use it in phrases like 'a cause for worry' or 'no need to worry'. You can also talk about 'petty worries' (small, unimportant ones) or 'grave worries' (very serious ones). When talking about someone's state, we might say they are 'full of worries'. Remember, while 'worry' can be a noun, the verb form ('to worry') is much more common. We usually use 'worry' for things that are uncertain or potentially negative. For positive anticipation, we'd use words like 'excitement'!

English is full of colorful expressions, and worry is no exception! These phrases add a bit of flavor and nuance to our language.

  • Don't worry yourself sick: This means don't get overly anxious about something, as it can negatively affect your health. Example: 'I know you're worried about the presentation, but don't worry yourself sick; you'll do great.'
  • Worrywart: This is a person who worries too much about things, often unnecessarily. Example: 'He's such a worrywart; he frets about everything!'
  • Worry lines: These are the lines that appear on a person's forehead or face due to frequent worrying. Example: 'All that stress has given her worry lines.'
  • To be beside oneself with worry: This describes someone who is extremely anxious and upset. Example: 'She was beside herself with worry when her child went missing.'
  • Worry the life out of someone: This means to make someone extremely worried or anxious through constant nagging or concern. Example: 'Stop worrying the life out of your parents about that car!'

Let's break down the grammar and sound of worry. As a noun, it's usually singular when referring to a specific concern ('My worry is...') or plural ('I have many worries'). It's a countable noun, so we use 'a worry' or 'worries'.

Pronunciation is key! In British English (RP), it's /'wʌri/, with the stress on the first syllable. Think 'WUHR-ee'. In American English, it's very similar: /'wʌri/, also stressed on the first syllable. The 'o' sounds like the 'u' in 'cup', and the 'y' at the end sounds like the 'ee' in 'see'. Rhyming words include 'hurry', 'flurry', and 'scurry'. Common pronunciation errors might involve stressing the wrong syllable or mispronouncing the vowel sounds.

Fun Fact

The original meaning of 'worry' was quite violent, suggesting being choked or strangled! This evolved to mean being mentally 'strangled' or troubled by thoughts.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈwʌri/

Stress on the first syllable. The 'o' sounds like the 'u' in 'cup' (like 'uh'). The final 'y' sounds like the 'ee' in 'see'.

US /ˈwʌri/

Identical to British pronunciation: stress on the first syllable, 'uh' sound for 'o', and 'ee' sound for the final 'y'.

Common Errors

  • Stressing the second syllable: 'wuh-REE'.
  • Pronouncing the 'o' like in 'go': 'woh-ree'.
  • Making the final 'y' sound too short or unclear.

Rhymes With

hurry flurry scurry blurry slurry

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Generally easy to read, but complex sentences can increase difficulty.

Writing 2/5

Straightforward to use in basic sentences; nuanced usage requires more practice.

Speaking 2/5

Commonly used in everyday speech.

Listening 2/5

Easily understood in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

feel sad scared problem think about

Learn Next

anxiety stress concern apprehension cope manage

Advanced

existential angst foreboding solicitude trepidation

Grammar to Know

Countable vs. Uncountable Nouns

We use 'a worry' (countable) and 'many worries' (plural countable), but 'much anxiety' (uncountable).

Gerunds and Infinitives after Prepositions

I worry about *having* enough money. (Gerund after 'about')

Present Participle as Adjective

The news was <strong>worrying</strong>. (Describes the news)

Examples by Level

1

My toy is a worry.

My / toy / is / a / worry.

A 'worry' is something that makes you sad.

2

I have a worry about the test.

I / have / a / worry / about / the / test.

'About' tells us what the worry is.

3

Is there a worry?

Is / there / a / worry?

Used to ask if there is a problem.

4

No worry!

No / worry!

Means 'It's okay, don't be sad!'

5

That is a big worry.

That / is / a / big / worry.

'Big' means large or important.

6

My worry is my cat.

My / worry / is / my / cat.

The cat is the reason for the worry.

7

Don't have a worry.

Don't / have / a / worry.

Telling someone not to feel anxious.

8

This is my worry.

This / is / my / worry.

Showing what is making you feel anxious.

1

The lost keys are a real worry.

The / lost / keys / are / a / real / worry.

'Real' means very much.

2

My main worry is finding a new job.

My / main / worry / is / finding / a / new / job.

'Main' means most important.

3

Is there any cause for worry?

Is / there / any / cause / for / worry?

'Cause for worry' means reason to be anxious.

4

He's a bit of a worrywart.

He / is / a / bit / of / a / worrywart.

A 'worrywart' worries a lot.

5

I have a few small worries.

I / have / a / few / small / worries.

'Worries' (plural) means more than one.

6

Let's not dwell on this worry.

Let's / not / dwell / on / this / worry.

'Dwell on' means to think about too much.

7

Her health is a constant worry.

Her / health / is / a / constant / worry.

'Constant' means happening all the time.

8

There's no need for worry.

There's / no / need / for / worry.

Tells someone they don't need to be anxious.

1

The upcoming deadline is a significant worry for the team.

The / upcoming / deadline / is / a / significant / worry / for / the / team.

'Significant' means important or noticeable.

2

Financial stability remains a primary worry for many households.

Financial / stability / remains / a / primary / worry / for / many / households.

'Primary' means the most important.

3

He tried to hide his worry, but his frown gave him away.

He / tried / to / hide / his / worry, / but / his / frown / gave / him / away.

Describes trying to conceal anxiety.

4

Don't let minor setbacks become major worries.

Don't / let / minor / setbacks / become / major / worries.

Contrasts small problems with large ones.

5

The uncertainty surrounding the merger is causing considerable worry.

The / uncertainty / surrounding / the / merger / is / causing / considerable / worry.

'Considerable' means large in amount or degree.

6

She confessed her deepest worry about her son's future.

She / confessed / her / deepest / worry / about / her / son's / future.

'Deepest' implies the most profound or intense.

7

We need to address this worry before it escalates.

We / need / to / address / this / worry / before / it / escalates.

'Escalates' means becomes more serious.

8

It's natural to feel a sense of worry in such a situation.

It's / natural / to / feel / a / sense / of / worry / in / such / a / situation.

'Sense of worry' refers to the feeling of anxiety.

1

The lack of clear communication has become a persistent worry for the project team.

The / lack / of / clear / communication / has / become / a / persistent / worry / for / the / project / team.

'Persistent' means continuing firmly or obstinately.

2

His primary worry was not about the cost, but the long-term implications.

His / primary / worry / was / not / about / the / cost, / but / the / long-term / implications.

Distinguishes immediate concerns from future consequences.

3

She tried to alleviate her worry by focusing on the positive aspects.

She / tried / to / alleviate / her / worry / by / focusing / on / the / positive / aspects.

'Alleviate' means to make suffering, deficiency, or a problem less severe.

4

The constant news cycle amplifies every potential worry into a crisis.

The / constant / news / cycle / amplifies / every / potential / worry / into / a / crisis.

'Amplifies' means increases or makes greater.

5

Despite reassurances, a nagging worry remained about the project's feasibility.

Despite / reassurances, / a / nagging / worry / remained / about / the / project's / feasibility.

'Nagging' implies something persistent and bothersome.

6

The economic downturn has introduced a new layer of worry for small business owners.

The / economic / downturn / has / introduced / a / new / layer / of / worry / for / small / business / owners.

'Layer of worry' suggests an additional level of concern.

7

He dismissed her concerns as unfounded worries, but time proved her right.

He / dismissed / her / concerns / as / unfounded / worries, / but / time / proved / her / right.

'Unfounded' means without good reason or basis.

8

The potential consequences were a source of considerable worry for the advisory committee.

The / potential / consequences / were / a / source / of / considerable / worry / for / the / advisory / committee.

'Source of considerable worry' indicates a significant cause of anxiety.

1

The pervasive uncertainty regarding climate change poses a multifaceted worry for global policymakers.

The / pervasive / uncertainty / regarding / climate / change / poses / a / multifaceted / worry / for / global / policymakers.

'Pervasive' means spread throughout; widespread. 'Multifaceted' means having many sides or aspects.

2

His carefully constructed composure began to fray as the underlying worry surfaced.

His / carefully / constructed / composure / began / to / fray / as / the / underlying / worry / surfaced.

'Composure' is the state of being calm and in control of oneself. 'Fray' means to unravel or become worn out.

3

The narrative explores the existential worry that accompanies the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.

The / narrative / explores / the / existential / worry / that / accompanies / the / search / for / meaning / in / a / seemingly / indifferent / universe.

'Existential worry' relates to fundamental questions about existence.

4

Investors are grappling with a confluence of factors, each contributing to a heightened sense of worry.

Investors / are / grappling / with / a / confluence / of / factors, / each / contributing / to / a / heightened / sense / of / worry.

'Confluence' means the act of flowing together or merging. 'Heightened' means increased.

5

The ethical quandaries presented by artificial intelligence are a growing worry within the academic community.

The / ethical / quandaries / presented / by / artificial / intelligence / are / a / growing / worry / within / the / academic / community.

'Quandaries' are situations presenting a dilemma.

6

She attempted to compartmentalize her professional anxieties, but the personal worry intruded persistently.

She / attempted / to / compartmentalize / her / professional / anxieties, / but / the / personal / worry / intruded / persistently.

'Compartmentalize' means to divide into sections or categories. 'Intruded' means put oneself deliberately into a situation.

7

The subtle shift in tone signaled an underlying worry that had not been explicitly stated.

The / subtle / shift / in / tone / signaled / an / underlying / worry / that / had / not / been / explicitly / stated.

'Subtle' means delicate or precise. 'Explicitly' means stated clearly and in detail.

8

The economic ramifications of the policy change represent a significant worry for the manufacturing sector.

The / economic / ramifications / of / the / policy / change / represent / a / significant / worry / for / the / manufacturing / sector.

'Ramifications' means consequences or implications.

1

The specter of systemic collapse loomed, a profound worry that permeated every level of governance.

The / specter / of / systemic / collapse / loomed, / a / profound / worry / that / permeated / every / level / of / governance.

'Specter' means a ghost or phantom, used metaphorically for a haunting fear. 'Permeated' means spread throughout.

2

His philosophical inquiries often circled back to the primal worry concerning the ephemerality of human existence.

His / philosophical / inquiries / often / circled / back / to / the / primal / worry / concerning / the / ephemerality / of / human / existence.

'Primal' means relating to an early stage. 'Ephemerality' means lasting for a very short time.

3

The intricate web of global supply chains, once a source of efficiency, had become a nexus of worry amidst geopolitical tensions.

The / intricate / web / of / global / supply / chains, / once / a / source / of / efficiency, / had / become / a / nexus / of / worry / amidst / geopolitical / tensions.

'Nexus' means a connection or series of connections linking two or more things.

4

Beneath the veneer of progress lay a gnawing worry about the sustainability of current economic models.

Beneath / the / veneer / of / progress / lay / a / gnawing / worry / about / the / sustainability / of / current / economic / models.

'Veneer' means a facade or outward show. 'Gnawing' implies persistent and troubling.

5

The author masterfully conveys the quiet desperation and gnawing worry of characters trapped in mundane yet soul-crushing routines.

The / author / masterfully / conveys / the / quiet / desperation / and / gnawing / worry / of / characters / trapped / in / mundane / yet / soul-crushing / routines.

'Mundane' means lacking interest or excitement; dull.

6

The erosion of trust in institutions fostered a pervasive worry that undermined social cohesion.

The / erosion / of / trust / in / institutions / fostered / a / pervasive / worry / that / undermined / social / cohesion.

'Erosion' means the gradual destruction or diminution of something. 'Cohesion' means the action or fact of forming a united whole.

7

Navigating the labyrinthine bureaucracy often induces a profound worry about one's ability to achieve basic objectives.

Navigating / the / labyrinthine / bureaucracy / often / induces / a / profound / worry / about / one's / ability / to / achieve / basic / objectives.

'Labyrinthine' means intricate and confusing.

8

The existential angst, a deep-seated worry about the human condition, manifested in his increasingly abstract artistic expressions.

The / existential / angst, / a / deep-seated / worry / about / the / human / condition, / manifested / in / his / increasingly / abstract / artistic / expressions.

'Angst' means a feeling of deep anxiety or dread.

Common Collocations

cause for worry
no need to worry
a nagging worry
petty worry
grave worry
source of worry
alleviate worry
ease someone's worry
free from worry
a moment of worry

Idioms & Expressions

"worrywart"

A person who worries excessively about trivial matters.

My aunt is a terrible worrywart; she frets about everything.

casual

"don't worry yourself sick"

To avoid becoming extremely anxious or unwell due to worry.

I know the exams are important, but don't worry yourself sick over them.

neutral

"worry lines"

Lines on the face, especially the forehead, caused by frequent frowning or worrying.

He's only 40, but he has deep worry lines from his stressful job.

neutral

"beside oneself with worry"

Extremely anxious or upset.

She was beside herself with worry when her son didn't come home on time.

neutral/formal

"worry the life out of someone"

To make someone extremely worried or anxious, often through repeated questioning or expressing concern.

Stop worrying the life out of your parents about getting a new phone!

casual

"a worry in the world"

Used in negative constructions to mean completely free of worries or troubles.

He lives by the sea and hasn't got a worry in the world.

neutral

Easily Confused

心配事 vs anxiety

Both relate to feelings of unease and nervousness.

'Worry' usually refers to specific concerns about particular things, while 'anxiety' can be a more generalized, persistent feeling of dread or nervousness, often without a clear trigger.

My main <strong>worry</strong> is passing the exam. (Specific) vs. She suffers from chronic <strong>anxiety</strong>. (Generalized)

心配事 vs concern

Both can refer to things that occupy one's thoughts.

'Worry' implies fear or strong unease about a potential negative outcome. 'Concern' can be similar but is often more neutral, indicating interest or importance without necessarily involving fear.

The project's budget is a <strong>concern</strong> for the manager. (Interest/Importance) vs. The project's delay is a <strong>worry</strong> for the client. (Fear of negative outcome)

心配事 vs care

Can be used in contexts related to thinking about something or someone.

'Worry' focuses on negative anticipation or fear. 'Care' can mean to be interested in or feel affection (e.g., 'I care about you'), or it can mean to be troubled (e.g., 'I don't care'), but it doesn't typically carry the same anxious weight as 'worry'.

He doesn't <strong>worry</strong> about the consequences. (Fear) vs. He doesn't <strong>care</strong> about the consequences. (Indifference)

心配事 vs fear

Both involve negative emotions about potential outcomes.

'Fear' is a stronger, more immediate emotional response to a perceived danger or threat. 'Worry' is often a more cognitive process, involving thinking about potential problems, and can be less intense than outright fear.

He felt <strong>fear</strong> when he saw the bear. (Immediate reaction) vs. He had a <strong>worry</strong> that he might get lost. (Anticipation of problem)

Sentence Patterns

A2-B1

A [adjective] worry is [details]

A major worry is the rising cost of energy.

A2-B1

My main worry is + [noun phrase / gerund]

My main worry is finding affordable housing.

A1-A2

There is no need to worry.

Don't worry about the small stuff; there is no need to worry.

B1-B2

To cause/create/be a source of worry

His behaviour was a source of worry for his parents.

B2-C1

To alleviate/ease/reduce worry

Talking to a friend helped to alleviate her worry.

Word Family

Nouns

worry A state of anxiety or a cause of anxiety.
worrywart A person who worries too much.

Verbs

worry To feel anxious or troubled about something.

Adjectives

worried Feeling anxious or troubled.
worrying Causing anxiety or concern.

Related

anxiety Synonym, often implies a deeper or more persistent state.
concern Synonym, can be less intense or more objective.

How to Use It

Formality Scale

A source of considerable worry (formal) a worry (neutral) That's a worrywart thing to say (casual, referring to a person)

Common Mistakes

Confusing 'worry' (noun) with 'worry' (verb). My biggest worry is the exam. / I worry about the exam.
The noun refers to the cause or state of anxiety, while the verb is the action of feeling anxious.
Using 'worry' when 'concern' or 'interest' is more appropriate. I have a concern about the project's budget.
'Worry' implies anxiety or fear, whereas 'concern' can be a more neutral or objective interest in a matter.
Incorrect pluralization: 'worries'. She has many worries.
The plural form of the noun 'worry' is 'worries'.
Using 'worry' as an adjective. It's a worrying situation.
The adjective form is 'worrying', not 'worry'.
Overuse of 'worry' leading to sounding anxious. Try to focus on solutions rather than dwelling on worries.
While acknowledging worries is important, excessive focus can be counterproductive. Varying vocabulary helps.

Tips

💡

Link to 'Wring'

Think of 'worry' sounding like 'wring'. When you worry, your mind feels like it's being wrung out, twisted with anxious thoughts.

💡

Verb vs. Noun

Remember 'I worry' (verb) and 'It's a worry' (noun). The noun is the *thing* causing the worry.

🌍

Reassurance Phrases

Native speakers often say 'Don't worry!' or 'No worries.' Use these to comfort others.

💡

Plural Form Rule

Nouns ending in -y after a consonant (like worry) usually become -ies in the plural: worry -> worries.

💡

Stress the First Syllable

Always stress the first syllable: WUHR-ee. Avoid saying 'wuh-REE'.

💡

Avoid 'Worrying' as Adjective

Say 'a worrying situation', not 'a worry situation'.

💡

Original Meaning

The word 'worry' originally meant 'to choke or strangle'! Imagine being choked by your thoughts.

💡

Journal Your Worries

Write down your worries. Seeing them on paper can make them feel more manageable and less overwhelming.

💡

Distinguish from 'Concern'

Use 'worry' for things that cause anxiety/fear. Use 'concern' for things you are interested in or think are important, even without fear.

💡

Common Preposition

We often worry *about* something: 'I worry about the future.'

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'worry' (like a worm) eating away at your peace of mind, making you 'worry'.

Visual Association

Picture a person tied up with ropes (representing worries) struggling to break free.

Word Web

Anxiety Fear Concern Stress Trouble Problem Care Apprehension Unease Future Uncertainty

Challenge

List three things that are currently causing you a 'worry'. Then, for each, write down one small step you can take to address it.

Word Origin

Old English

Original meaning: 'to choke, strangle, suffocate'

Cultural Context

While 'worry' itself is neutral, discussing specific worries (like health, finances, or personal safety) requires sensitivity and empathy.

Expressing worry is common and accepted in most English-speaking cultures. Phrases like 'Don't worry!' are used frequently as reassurances. However, excessive or constant worrying might be seen negatively, leading to terms like 'worrywart'.

The song 'Don't Worry, Be Happy' by Bobby McFerrin promotes a carefree attitude. In literature, characters often grapple with worries that drive the plot, highlighting human struggles.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Personal conversations

  • Don't worry about it.
  • I have a worry about...
  • Are you worrying about anything?

News reports / Current events

  • a cause for worry
  • economic worries
  • growing worry

Health discussions

  • health worries
  • no need to worry
  • a nagging worry about symptoms

Work / Business

  • project worries
  • financial worries
  • a source of worry for the team

Conversation Starters

"What's been on your mind lately? Any particular worries?"

"How do you usually deal with a big worry?"

"Is there anything you used to worry about that seems silly now?"

"What's something that people often worry about unnecessarily?"

"If you could wave a magic wand and eliminate one worry from your life, what would it be?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time you felt overwhelmed by worry. What helped you overcome it?

What are your top three worries right now? For each, brainstorm one small action you can take.

Write about a time someone reassured you and eased your worry. How did it feel?

Imagine a future where your current worries don't exist. What does that future look like?

Frequently Asked Questions

8 questions

While often used interchangeably, 'worry' typically refers to specific concerns about particular events or situations, whereas 'anxiety' often describes a more generalized, persistent feeling of unease or fear, sometimes without a clear external cause.

Yes, 'worry' is very commonly used as a verb (e.g., 'I worry about my exams'). The noun form refers to the cause or state of being worried.

Mostly, yes. It implies a negative anticipation or concern. However, in phrases like 'without a worry in the world', it signifies the absence of negative feelings, thus highlighting the positive state of being carefree.

Stopping worry completely is difficult, but managing it involves identifying the specific worries, assessing their likelihood and impact, focusing on what you can control, practicing mindfulness, and seeking support when needed.

'Worrywart' is a casual term for someone who tends to worry a lot, often about things that are unlikely to happen or are not very important.

Mild worry can sometimes be motivating, prompting us to prepare for potential problems or challenges. For example, worrying about an upcoming exam might encourage you to study.

In formal contexts, 'worry' is used to describe specific sources of concern or anxiety, often in phrases like 'a source of worry', 'cause for worry', or discussing the 'worry' associated with certain societal issues.

'A worry' refers to a single, specific concern. 'Worries' (plural) refers to multiple concerns or a general state of having many things to be anxious about.

Test Yourself

fill blank A1

My biggest ______ is the test tomorrow.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: worry

The sentence talks about something causing concern, making 'worry' the correct fit.

multiple choice A2

Which sentence uses 'worry' correctly as a noun?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: The dog is a worry.

Option 2 uses 'worry' as a thing that causes concern.

true false B1

The word 'worry' can only refer to serious problems.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: False

Worries can range from small, everyday concerns to major life issues.

match pairs B1

Word

Meaning

All matched!

Matching phrases to their meanings.

sentence order B2

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

The correct order forms the sentence 'This is a big worry.'

fill blank B2

Despite his reassurances, a nagging ______ persisted about the project's success.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: worry

'Nagging' suggests a persistent, bothersome feeling, fitting with 'worry'.

multiple choice C1

Which phrase best describes a 'worry' in a formal context?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: A source of apprehension

'Source of apprehension' accurately reflects the formal meaning of a cause for anxiety.

true false C2

The noun 'worry' originates from a Proto-Germanic root meaning 'joyful song'.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: False

The origin relates to 'choking' or 'strangling', not joy.

fill blank A2

Don't ______ about the test; just do your best.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: worry

The context suggests telling someone not to be anxious about the test.

multiple choice B1

What is the plural form of 'worry'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: worries

The standard plural form for nouns ending in -y preceded by a consonant is to change -y to -ies.

Score: /10

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!