Being Worried

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Some people might say worrying is useless, but it is an emotion that everyone has. Worrying doesn't help the situation, but we can't help to feel worried when something happens. Let's look at some sentences that are commonly used.

"I'm worried about my son."
"I'm worried about the situation."
"I'm so worried."
"I'm a little worried."

"He's very worried about work."
"He's worrying about his financial situation."
"She's worried about her dog."

"Our dog has been missing for 2 days. My wife is very worried."
"Our son slipped and hit his head. It's going to be a couple of days before we know how serious it is. I can't help but worry about it."

"I'd be worried if I was in that situation."
"I bet she's really worried."

"The doctor said something was wrong with my wife's blood test. I'm so worried."

"I lost my job and I'm having a hard time finding another one. I'm beginning to worry about how I'm going to take care of my family."

"My husband lost his job. Although I'm worried, I can't put pressure on him because he feels really bad."

Worry - Serious Situation

Sometimes, a person might not take a situation seriously. If something bad happened and they don't think it is bad, then a popular comment is to say something like this.

"I would worry if I were you."
"Do you think this is a joke? This is pretty serious."
"This is one of your last chances. Aren't you worried at all?"

When we are worried, the word doesn't have to be used to express that we are worried. Here are a few examples of what I am talking about.

"I don't know how I'm going to pay for the medical bills."
"I have so much debt. I don't know what to do."

"I just took the exam and I don't know if I passed or not."
"I only applied for three schools. What's going to happen if I don't get into any of them?"

"I just had my interview. I don't know if I got it or not."
"I hope they come out with the results soon. I hate the waiting."

"The doctor said there are some complications with the pregnancy. I'm praying nothing bad happens."
"My mother got into a car accident. She's in critical condition. I don't know what's going to happen."

"So many people are counting on me. What if I let them down?"

Being Worried - Talking to a Worried Person

When someone is worried, here are some sentences you might need to say.

"Stop worrying. It's only making you feel worse."
"You should try to think positive. Worrying is not going to help you."
"Don't worry about the planning. I'll take care of it."
"Don't worry about the money. I already took care of it."

"I'm sure you passed the test. Don't worry about it."
"You had a high GPA and you did well on your test. Don't worry about getting into school. I'm sure all of them will accept you."

"You're over reacting. The situation is not that bad. I don't think you should be worried at all."
"Worrying is not going to help your situation. Let's think of a step by step plan that will help your financial problem."

"The hardest part of your situation is that you can't do anything about it. I hope everything works out."

"Everything happens for a reason. I'm sure something good will come out of all this."

Worry - Worried about Family

Parents worry a lot about their kids. And if you have a mom or dad that worries about you, then you can say these types of sentences.

"Don't worry about me."
"Stop worrying about me. I'm doing great."

"My mom is always worried about me."
"I wish my mom would stop worrying about me."
"My dad is always worried about my future."

"I wish my mom would stop saying how much she worries about me. It doesn't really help my situation."
"Why do parents always tell us that they are worried about us."

"If you weren't such a screw up, then your parents wouldn't have to worry about you."
"Your parents only worry because they love you."
"Your mom only wants what is best for you. That's why she's worrying so much."
"Your dad wants you to have a better life than his. That's why he's worrying."

Finally, when we get older, it is common to worry about marriage and kids.

"I'm already 30 and I don't even have a boy friend. What if I don't ever get married?"
"My mom is worried that I won't get married."

"We've been trying to have a baby for 2 years now. I'm worried that we will never have one."
"My parents are worried that we won't have any children."

Worry - Interactive Practice

Click on Listen All and follow along. After becoming comfortable with the entire conversation, become Person A by clicking on the Person A button. You will hear only Person B through the audio file. There will be a silence for you to repeat the sentences of Person A. Do the same for Person B. The speed of the conversation is native speed. Use the pause button if the pause between each sentence is too fast for you. After practicing several times, you will be able to speak as fast as a native.

1

Listen All  |   Person A  |   Person B

A: "You don't look too well. What's going on?" B: "I just lost my job. I'm just worried about how I'm going to pay the bills." A: "I'm sorry to hear that. Have you been looking for another job?" B: "I just started, but the job market is very bad right now. I'm not optimistic about it." A: "That's tough. What does your wife think about this?" B: "She's trying to be supportive, but I can tell she is very worried about our financial situation as well." A: "I have some friends who might be able to help you find a job. I'll see what they can do." B: "I really appreciate your help." A: "No problem. In the meantime, don't try to worry so much. You'll get through this."

2

Listen All  |   Person A  |   Person B

A: "Jared, I just heard about your father. How is he doing?" B: "He's in the hospital resting. The doctor's didn't give a clear answer yet." A: "I'm so sorry to hear that. But this is a good hospital. I'm sure they will do whatever they can." B: "I hope so." A: "You must feel really worried right now. But you know your dad is a fighter." B: "Yeah. I think my mom is the most worried. I'm basically worried about how she is doing." A: "Where is she right now?" B: "She's in the hospital with my dad. I have to go back tonight." A: "Hey, I'll go with you." B: "You don't have to." A: "It's really no problem." B: "Ok. Let's go right after dinner."