What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
uptight
Example
She was feeling uptight before her big presentation. [uptight: adjective]
Example
He's always so uptight about following the rules. [uptight: adjective]
nervous
Example
I'm nervous about my job interview tomorrow. [nervous: adjective]
Example
The loud noise made him nervous and jumpy. [nervous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nervous is more commonly used than uptight in everyday language. Nervous is a versatile word that can be used in many contexts, while uptight is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between uptight and nervous?
Both uptight and nervous can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but uptight may be perceived as more formal due to its association with rules and order.
