Cool MateI agonize a lot vs Worry
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
I agonize a lot
Top 3,000 (common)
Worry
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Most common: Worry
| I agonize a lot | Worry | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈæɡənaɪz//🇺🇸 //ˈæɡənaɪz// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈwʌri/","/ˈwʌriz/","/ˈwʌrid/","/ˈwʌriɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈwɜːri/","/ˈwɜːriz/","/ˈwɜːrid/","/ˈwɜːriɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | I worry a lot or feel great pain about something. | To feel uneasy or anxious about something. |
| Example | I agonize a lot over my decisions, fearing I might choose the wrong path. | I tend to worry about my exams every time. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | A2 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | agonize over something, agonize about decisions, agonize over choices | a lot, particularly, really, not let something, not need to, begin to, about, for, with, can’t help worrying, enough to worry about, nothing to worry about, a lot, particularly, really, not let something, not need to, begin to, about, for, with, can’t help worrying, enough to worry about, nothing to worry about, a lot, particularly, really, not let something, not need to, begin to, about, for, with, can’t help worrying, enough to worry about, nothing to worry about |
| Antonyms | - | calm, relax, dismiss |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'agonize' with 'agonizing', which is an adjective., Using 'agonize' without a clear object, as in 'I agonize' instead of specifying what about. | Confused with 'worry' vs 'care' — 'worry' implies anxiety., Incorrectly use 'worrying' as a noun instead of a verb., Using 'worry' without an object, e.g., 'I worry' should be followed by 'about something.' |
| Usage notes | Used when expressing deep worry or emotional pain. Suitable for personal contexts, but avoid in professional or casual light conversation. | Use 'worry' for general concerns. It's neutral but can sound weak in more serious contexts. Avoid in professional settings unless discussing stress. |
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Frequently asked questions: I agonize a lot vs Worry
What's the difference between I agonize a lot and Worry?
I agonize a lot: I worry a lot or feel great pain about something. Worry: To feel uneasy or anxious about something.
Which is more common: I agonize a lot and Worry?
Worry is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
I agonize a lot: I agonize a lot over my decisions, fearing I might choose the wrong path. Worry: I tend to worry about my exams every time.
Can I use I agonize a lot and Worry interchangeably?
Not always. I agonize a lot and Worry are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.