Guide 61 / 200 6 swaps Formal register
Professional words for “worry”
Five calmer words than "worry" for formal writing.
i · When it mattersTwo lines, no filler
In business writing, "worried" can sound alarmist. Name the concern more precisely — and, where possible, pair it with the action you propose.
ii · The swaps6 ways
- 01Concerned neutral
the workplace default
We are concerned about timelines.
- 02Apprehensive formal
uncertain about future outcome
Apprehensive about the integration.
- 03Uneasy neutral
vague disquiet
Uneasy with the current framing.
- 04Preoccupied neutral
distracted by a concern
Preoccupied with the audit.
- 05Wary neutral
cautious suspicion
Wary of the proposed vendor.
- 06Reservations formal
a noun — hold-backs you can list
We have reservations about the approach.