Get agitated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Get agitated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone becoming upset or disturbed, often in response to a situation or stimulus. Example: "He tends to get agitated when discussions turn to politics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Loyalists might get agitated.

The New York Times - Arts

Try not to get agitated.

The Economist

And when I'm not around they get agitated.

The New Yorker

He didn't get agitated or raise his voice.

The Guardian

A few in the crowd of about 150 started to get agitated.

The New York Times

If down south wants to get agitated, then think how we felt when we got Thatcher.

The Guardian

If a government doesn't perform, people can get agitated pretty quickly.

The New Yorker

Duncan doesn't normally shout or get agitated, but here he was doing both.

The Guardian

It's so emotional - so deep, historically and culturally - that I do not get agitated.

The Guardian - Opinion

"You don't get agitated about one little thing or another," said Brin. "We work through it".

The Guardian - Tech

How do you find out? A. I ask very boring questions, and see if you get agitated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, consider the specific emotion or state you wish to convey. While "get agitated" is versatile, alternatives like "become anxious" or "get worked up" might offer greater precision depending on the context.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid using "get agitated" too frequently. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "become perturbed" or "display signs of unease" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get agitated" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a process or state of becoming upset or disturbed. As shown in Ludwig, it describes a change in emotional state, often in response to a specific stimulus or situation. The phrase suggests a transition from a calm state to one of increased emotional arousal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "get agitated" is a commonly used verb phrase that describes the process of becoming upset or disturbed. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media sources. While versatile, it's important to consider the specific context and choose alternatives like "become anxious" or "get worked up" for greater precision. In formal writing, opting for more sophisticated synonyms can enhance the professional tone. Remember that the phrase indicates a change from a calm state to increased emotional arousal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Become upset

Focuses on the emotional state of being disturbed.

Become anxious

Emphasizes the feeling of worry and unease.

Get worked up

Highlights the process of becoming excited or agitated.

Lose your cool

Implies a loss of composure and self-control.

Become flustered

Suggests a state of confusion and agitation.

Get stressed out

Focuses on the experience of being overwhelmed by stress.

Fly off the handle

Describes a sudden outburst of anger.

Boil over

Suggests a gradual build-up of anger culminating in an outburst.

Get hot under the collar

Indicates becoming angry or embarrassed.

Go ballistic

Implies an extreme reaction of anger or excitement.

FAQs

What does "get agitated" mean?

The phrase "get agitated" means to become upset, disturbed, or excited, often negatively. It implies a state of heightened emotional arousal.

How can I use "get agitated" in a sentence?

You can use "get agitated" to describe a person's reaction to a stressful or irritating situation. For example: "He tends to "get agitated" when traffic is heavy."

Are there any synonyms for "get agitated"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "become upset", "get worked up", or "become anxious" as alternatives to "get agitated", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "get agitated" in writing?

It's generally appropriate to use "get agitated" in informal to neutral contexts. In more formal or academic writing, consider alternatives that convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.