Grow edgy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Grow edgy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or person becoming more anxious, tense, or irritable over time. Example: "As the deadline approached, the team began to grow edgy, worried about completing the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I'd grow edgy after slowly walking through my third rustic village.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

We try putting phones into cars, but it's no use; we grow edgier & edgier, sitting at 80 mph.

The New Yorker

The father grew edgy and depressed.

The New Yorker

The mood in the crowded corridor grew edgy.

The New York Times

The United States had defeated Nigeria by 7-1 in the 1999 World Cup as the match grew edgy and scabrous.

The New York Times - Sports

His presence would have made it harder to keep the nationalists at bay, said a relieved Ukrainian diplomat.Relations between the two neighbors have grown edgy.

The Economist

As the crew of the shuttle Discovery prepares to return to Earth tomorrow, a generation of Americans that has lived through two shuttle disasters is growing edgy.

The New York Times

As the city's mood grew edgy on Thursday after a rash of bomb threats, Wanda Farrington stood outside her office building on Park Avenue after being evacuated.

The New York Times - Style

Roger Schmidt, the Leverkusen manager, got his tactics spot-on; Tottenham gasped for breath and by the midway point of the first half the home fans had grown edgy.

The Guardian - Sport

Venture capitalists, recently lionized as catalysts of technological advancement and economic productivity, are typically reluctant to concede that their investors have grown edgy as their portfolio values have shrunk.

The New York Times

Hamas and others in the region, she said, had "learned and understood" that Israel would not countenance such continuous violation of its borders and the targeting of its civilians.But Israel's left, which at first gave unusually solid support to the Gaza operation, is growing edgy as the extent of the carnage is conveyed in Israel's media.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Grow edgy" to describe a gradual increase in tension or anxiety, often in response to a specific situation or ongoing stressor. For example: "As the deadline approached, the team began to grow edgy."

Common error

Avoid using "Grow edgy" in very informal or casual conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound slightly formal or overly dramatic in everyday settings. Consider using simpler alternatives like "get nervous" or "get anxious" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Grow edgy" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of becoming more anxious or tense. It describes a change in emotional state over time. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Grow edgy" is a grammatically correct way to describe a gradual increase in anxiety or tension, according to Ludwig AI. While the phrase is considered usable, its occurrence is relatively rare and tends to be seen in news and media contexts. When writing, remember that while this phrase is valid, it might be preferable to use simpler alternatives like "become anxious" or "get nervous" in informal settings. Using "Grow edgy" effectively involves understanding its nuance and choosing the most appropriate phrasing for the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Become on edge

Highlights the feeling of being unsettled or uneasy.

Become anxious

Focuses specifically on the increase in anxiety.

Get nervous

Emphasizes the development of nervousness.

Turn irritable

Highlights the increasing state of irritability.

Get tense

Emphasizes physical and mental tension.

Become impatient

Focuses on the increase in impatience.

Turn apprehensive

Focuses on the development of worry or fear.

Get antsy

Informal way to describe becoming restless or anxious.

Become strained

Emphasizes the increasing pressure or stress.

Get worked up

Indicates an increase in agitation.

FAQs

What does it mean to "Grow edgy"?

To "Grow edgy" means to gradually become more nervous, anxious, or irritable. It describes a progressive increase in tension, often due to an impending event or stressful situation.

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

You can use "Grow edgy" to describe someone's emotional state. For example: "As the negotiations dragged on, the CEO seemed to "become anxious" and started to "grow edgy".

Are there any synonyms for "Grow edgy"?

Yes, some synonyms for "Grow edgy" include "get nervous", "become tense", and "turn irritable". These phrases convey a similar sense of increasing unease or tension.

Is "Grow edgy" formal or informal?

"Grow edgy" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although simpler alternatives might be preferred in very casual settings. The context will determine the most appropriate choice.