Meaning & use
be nervous
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Meanings
phraselinking
to feel worried or slightly afraid about something that may happen
Grammar: Links the subject to an adjective; often followed by 'about' + noun or 'about' + -ing form.
Patterns
- be nervous about something
- be nervous about doing something
- be nervous before something
I always get nervous before I speak in public.
She was nervous about the interview, so she arrived early.
He is nervous about flying for the first time.
phraselinking
to be easily frightened or worried by things; to be timid
Grammar: Often used for animals or people who are shy and easily scared; followed by 'of'.
Patterns
- be nervous of someone/something
- be nervous around people
The rescue dog is nervous of loud noises.
She is nervous around strangers and stays quiet.
Common combinations
- get nervous
- I get nervous when I have to wait for results.
- nervous about
- He is nervous about the exam tomorrow.
- nervous of
- She is nervous of dogs after being bitten.
- a nervous laugh
- He gave a nervous laugh and changed the subject.
Synonyms and how they differ
- anxious
- Stronger and often suggests a lasting worry; 'nervous' is usually about a specific event.
- worried
- More general and can be about a problem that already exists; 'nervous' is often about something in the future.
- tense
- Describes the body or atmosphere, not just a feeling; you can be tense without being nervous.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: be nervous or nervy?
be nervous vs nervy
'Nervy' can mean brave in British English, but in American English it means easily upset or nervous. It is less common and can confuse.
Practice
Choose the best sentence:
Choose one answer.
'Nervous about' is the usual pattern for an event you are worried about. 'Nervous of' is used for things you are afraid of (like dogs), not for tests. 'For' and 'on' do not fit here.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “be nervous”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.