Get worked up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Get worked up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone becoming overly emotional or agitated about something. Example: "She tends to get worked up over minor issues, which can be exhausting for those around her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So why get worked up?

The Guardian

We don't get worked up about anything.

The New Yorker

'I couldn't get worked up about it.

The Guardian - Business

"I get worked up about this stuff".

The New York Times - Sports

"Shetlanders don't usually get worked up about politics, " he said.

The Guardian

"I get worked up over things," she explained.

The New York Times

"Penny," my mother said, "don't get worked up now".

The New Yorker

I can't get worked up about pink Lego.

Independent

We like to watch others get worked up".

The New Yorker

There was no reason to get worked up about it.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's not something I get worked up about though.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "become agitated" or "get upset" in formal writing to maintain a professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "get worked up" in formal or professional writing, as it can sound too casual. Instead, opt for more formal alternatives such as "become agitated" or "express concern" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get worked up" functions as a phrasal verb, expressing the action of becoming emotionally agitated or excited. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing reactions to various situations, both trivial and significant, indicating its versatility in everyday language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

13%

The New Yorker

8%

Less common in

Independent

3%

The New York Times

3%

Forbes

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get worked up" is a common phrasal verb used to describe the act of becoming emotionally agitated or excited. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it carries a neutral to slightly informal tone, making it less suitable for formal writing, where alternatives like "become agitated" or "express concern" are more appropriate. When using "get worked up", be mindful of the context to ensure the tone aligns with your intended message. Although frequent, overuse in formal settings can detract from the intended professional voice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become agitated

This suggests a state of restlessness and anxiety, often building up to a more intense emotional response.

get agitated

Similar to 'become agitated', it conveys a sense of unease and restlessness, often in response to a stimulus.

become flustered

Focuses on a state of confusion and nervousness, often due to unexpected events or pressure.

get stressed

Emphasizes the feeling of being overwhelmed by mental or emotional pressure.

get anxious

Highlights a state of worry and unease, often about future events.

fly into a rage

Indicates a sudden and uncontrolled outburst of anger.

lose your temper

Suggests a loss of control over one's anger, often resulting in an outburst.

become enraged

Describes a state of intense anger and fury.

lose control

This is a broader term suggesting the inability to manage one's emotions, possibly leading to erratic behaviour.

get emotional

This phrase indicates a state of heightened feelings, which could range from happiness to sadness or anger.

FAQs

What does "get worked up" mean?

To "get worked up" means to become excited, agitated, or emotionally aroused about something. It often implies a state of heightened emotion that may be disproportionate to the situation.

How can I use "get worked up" in a sentence?

You can use "get worked up" to describe someone's emotional reaction to a situation. For example: "Don't "get upset" about such small things" or "He tends to "become agitated" when things don't go according to plan."

What are some alternatives to saying "get worked up"?

Alternatives include phrases like ""get upset"", ""become agitated"", "get stressed", or "lose your temper", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "get worked up" in writing?

It's appropriate in informal and conversational contexts. For formal writing, consider alternatives that convey a more neutral or professional tone, such as "express concern" or "become concerned".