Something big is coming: an interview, a date, a speech. You want to admit you're nervous, from a few butterflies to shaking hands.
Way 1 · best default
Honest and calm. Safe to say to anyone, even your boss or an interviewer.
Examples
I'm a bit nervous about the presentation, but I've practised a lot.
Sorry, I'm a bit nervous. It's my first time driving on the motorway.
In a conversation
A: Big day tomorrow. How are you feeling?
B: I'm a bit nervous, but I think I'm ready.
Way 2 · nervous and excited
A fluttery, half-excited nervous feeling in your stomach before something you want.
Examples
I've got butterflies. It's our first date in ages.
I've got butterflies. I always get them before I go on stage.
Common mistake
Not: I have a butterfly in my stomach.
Say: I've got butterflies.
It's always plural: "butterflies". "In my stomach" is optional, but never "a butterfly".
Way 3 · slow worry
A quieter, longer worry about something that might go wrong.
Examples
The surgery is next month and I'm a bit anxious about it.
He's moving abroad alone, and he's a bit anxious about it.
Way 4 · tense and jumpy
Tense while you wait for news. Small things make you jump.
Examples
The results come out today, so I'm on edge.
Sorry I snapped. I've been on edge all week.
In a conversation
A: You nearly dropped your phone!
B: I know, I'm on edge. The hospital said they'd call this morning.
Way 5 · really don't want to
Nervous about something unpleasant that you wish you could avoid.
Examples
I've got the dentist tomorrow. I'm dreading it.
She's dreading telling her parents she's dropped out.
Common mistake
Not: I'm scared of the meeting with my boss.
Say: I'm dreading the meeting with my boss.
"Scared" sounds like real danger. "Dreading" means you really don't want an unpleasant thing to happen.
Way 6 · shaking hands
Extremely nervous: you can't eat, can't sit still, can't think straight.
Examples
My speech is in five minutes and I'm a nervous wreck.
He was a nervous wreck before his driving test.
In a conversation
A: You look pale. Are you OK?
B: Honestly? I'm a nervous wreck. My hands won't stop shaking.
Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.
Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.