Grow restless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Grow restless" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of unease or impatience, often when someone is waiting for something or feeling confined. Example: "As the meeting dragged on without any resolution, I could feel myself start to grow restless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

They grow restless.

The New Yorker

The men grow restless".

The New Yorker

The young grow restless and impertinent.

The Economist

When young people lack opportunity, they grow restless.

The New York Times

Shareholders grow restless and reach for the pitchforks.

The New Yorker

As middle-aged women grow restless and rowdy, middle-aged men become wistful and sentimental.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

But she had grown restless with her restlessness.

The Guardian - Film

But she grew restless.

The New Yorker

But Moon grew restless.

The New York Times - Magazine

Kids are growing restless.

The New Yorker

The crowd grew restless.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grow restless" to describe a gradual increase in impatience or unease, especially when someone is waiting for something or feeling confined. It captures a developing state of dissatisfaction.

Common error

Avoid using "grow restless" to describe a sudden, immediate feeling of impatience. The phrase implies a gradual buildup of unease, not a sudden outburst.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow restless" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating a state of becoming restless. It describes a process or change in feeling, aligning with Ludwig's examples of gradual unease.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grow restless" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a gradual increase in impatience, unease, or dissatisfaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys a developing state, often in response to prolonged waiting or confinement. While it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles. To avoid misuse, remember that "grow restless" indicates a gradual process, not a sudden change. Alternatives like "become impatient" or "start to fidget" can offer subtle differences in meaning, depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become impatient

Focuses on the emotional aspect of losing patience, whereas "grow restless" implies a broader sense of unease.

start to fidget

Emphasizes physical movements indicating impatience, while "grow restless" can also be internal.

get antsy

Informal way to describe becoming agitated or impatient, while "grow restless" is more neutral in tone.

become agitated

Highlights the emotional disturbance, potentially stronger than simply "grow restless".

lose patience

Indicates a complete lack of patience, whereas "grow restless" suggests a developing impatience.

become uneasy

Focuses on a general feeling of discomfort, which can lead to restlessness.

start to chafe

Implies irritation from restrictions or limitations, leading to restlessness.

get stir-crazy

Specifically describes restlessness from being confined, while "grow restless" is broader.

become bored

Highlights the lack of interest or excitement, which can be a cause of restlessness.

develop wanderlust

Implies a longing to travel or explore, a specific type of restlessness.

FAQs

How can I use "grow restless" in a sentence?

Use "grow restless" to describe a gradual increase in impatience or unease. For example, "As the meeting dragged on, the attendees began to "grow restless"."

What does it mean to "grow restless"?

To "grow restless" means to gradually become impatient, uneasy, or dissatisfied, often because of boredom, confinement, or waiting.

What can I say instead of "grow restless"?

Alternatives include "become impatient", "start to fidget", or "get antsy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "grow restless"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. It describes a gradual increase in restlessness over time.