Grow angry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Grow angry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of becoming increasingly angry or upset over time. Example: "As the meeting dragged on with no resolution, I could feel myself begin to grow angry at the lack of progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

When the outsiders leave, they grow angry.

The New York Times

Parents grow angry and distrustful; students become lost and listless.

The New York Times

White-clad people grunt, thrust, grow angry, swear daintily.

The New Yorker

We grow angry, he says, when rewards go to those "who do not live by our values".

The New York Times

When his father speaks about God to company at dinner, his eyes grow angry and gleeful behind his glasses.

The New Yorker

They grow angry at the mention of anti-war protests, as if the demonstrators were talking about them, personally.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Every day, the people grow angrier, he said.

The New York Times

The last three tracks — "Slave Masters," "For Dem Eye" and "The Good Leaf" — accelerate as they grow angrier and angrier.

The New York Times - Arts

Both grow angrier by the day, at the loss of the centre and a perceived dearth of information.

The Guardian

"Oh, hell!" Popov grew angry.

The New Yorker

A monster!" Julia grew angry.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Grow angry" to describe a gradual increase in anger over time, often in response to a developing situation. For example: "As the negotiations stalled, the investors began to grow angry."

Common error

While grammatically sound, "Grow angry" can sound less formal than alternatives like "become incensed" or "become indignant", particularly in professional or academic writing. Consider the tone you aim to achieve.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Grow angry" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a process of becoming angry. According to Ludwig, it is a correct and usable expression. The examples show it used to describe people's reactions to events and situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Grow angry" is a grammatically sound way to describe a gradual increase in anger. Ludwig confirms its correct usage and provides various examples across different contexts, primarily in News & Media. While generally neutral, the level of formality should be considered when choosing synonyms for professional or academic writing. When aiming for clarity and impactful communication, remember to choose a synonym which reflects the intensity of the sentiment you are trying to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Become enraged

Implies a more intense and sudden onset of anger.

Get infuriated

Suggests a higher degree of anger, close to rage.

Become irate

Irate suggests a display of anger, often verbally.

Get aggravated

Implies a less intense form of anger, more akin to annoyance.

Start fuming

Indicates an internal build-up of anger that is not necessarily expressed outwardly.

Get indignant

Suggests anger based on a perceived injustice or unfairness.

Boil with anger

Emphasizes the intense internal experience of anger.

Simmer with resentment

Highlights a slow-burning anger mixed with a sense of injustice.

Work oneself into a rage

Signifies actively escalating one's anger to a point of fury.

Seethe with fury

Expresses a suppressed but intense state of anger and potential violence.

FAQs

How can I use "Grow angry" in a sentence?

"Grow angry" describes a gradual increase in anger. For example, "The crowd began to "grow angry" as the concert was delayed."

What phrases are similar to "Grow angry"?

Similar phrases include "become enraged", "get infuriated", or "become irate", each carrying varying degrees of intensity.

Is it more appropriate to say "Become angry" or "Grow angry"?

"Become angry" generally describes a state change, while "Grow angry" emphasizes a gradual increase in anger. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the process or the state.

Can "Grow angry" imply a positive outcome?

Rarely. "Grow angry" typically describes an escalating negative emotion and is generally associated with adverse situations and negative consequences.