a show of anger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a show of anger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a display or expression of anger, often in a specific situation or context. Example: "His loud voice and clenched fists were a clear show of anger during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

She's trying to impress us with a show of anger.

The New York Times - Sports

Even before the new government's first budget was approved, 12,000 Israelis took to the streets Saturday night in a show of anger reminiscent of the vast social protests that rocked the nation in the summer of 2011.

The New York Times

China has refused to recognize the challenge, and in a show of anger, some senior Chinese officials have declined to meet their Filipino counterparts and China has refused to invite the Philippines to certain meetings.

The New York Times

Some who joined the march on Wednesday said they hoped that a show of anger would mean something, though many said it was an important way to vent their frustration.

The New York Times

Over the past two weeks, tens of thousands of Sunnis, some waving Hussein-era flags, have staged demonstrations in a show of anger against Mr. Maliki, a Shiite whom they have accused of monopolizing power and marginalizing Sunnis.

The New York Times

North Korea has stoked those fears by saying that on Monday it will drop out of the 60-year-old armistice that ended the Korean War, in a show of anger at new United Nations sanctions for its nuclear test.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The foreign secretary is expected to expel an Israeli diplomat in a show of British anger.

The Guardian

At the end of the evening, an organizer suggested that the crowd join in a show of "civil anger" at a costumed pro-Pussy Riot march on Friday, though she warned that balaclavas were illegal in New York.

The New York Times - Arts

The controversial laws have seen tens of thousands take to the streets in almost daily rallies for the past few weeks, in a show of public anger on a scale rarely seen in Japan.

The Guardian

Republican senators, President Donald Trump and their allies in the conservative media put on a show of male anger, resentment and victimhood to force through the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh last week, even though he was credibly accused of sexual misconduct by three women.

Huffington Post

In a speech on state television, Mr Gbagbo said the army had neutralised the insurgents in Abidjan and would now flush out the remaining rebels there before moving north to the two cities still held by the rebels, Bouake and Korhogo "This is not just a simple show of anger of a few soldiers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to convey the intensity of the anger, consider using synonyms like "fury" or "rage" instead of "anger".

Common error

Avoid using "a show of anger" when describing internal feelings or emotions that are not outwardly expressed. This phrase specifically refers to an external display. For example, say "He felt anger", not "He put on a show of anger" unless he outwardly manifested that emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a show of anger" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an outward display or expression of anger, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

11%

Reference

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a show of anger" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that describes an outward display of anger. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, primarily news and media. It is generally considered neutral in register, suitable for reporting and analytical writing. While alternatives like "an expression of rage" or "a display of fury" can be used to convey a more intense emotion, it's important to reserve "a show of anger" for instances where the anger is visibly expressed, not merely felt internally.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a public demonstration of anger

Adds emphasis on the public nature of the expression.

an angry demonstration

Reorders the words to focus on the action itself.

an expression of rage

Replaces "anger" with a more intense synonym, highlighting the fury involved.

a display of fury

Uses "fury" instead of "anger" for a heightened sense of intensity.

an outburst of temper

Emphasizes the sudden and uncontrolled nature of the anger.

a manifestation of resentment

Focuses on the underlying feeling of resentment being displayed.

a wave of indignation

Implies a righteous or moral anger felt by many.

a fit of pique

Suggests a more minor or petty display of annoyance.

a visible irritation

Subtler expression of anger, focusing on the visible signs of annoyance.

a flash of irritation

Highlights a quick, fleeting moment of anger.

FAQs

How can I use "a show of anger" in a sentence?

Use "a show of anger" to describe a situation where someone outwardly expresses their anger, such as, "The protest was "a show of anger" against the new policy".

What's a less intense alternative to "a show of anger"?

If you want to convey a milder form of displeasure, consider using "a visible irritation" or "a flash of irritation" instead.

What's the difference between "a show of anger" and "an outburst of temper"?

"A show of anger" implies a deliberate or controlled display, whereas "an outburst of temper" suggests a sudden, uncontrolled expression of anger.

Is "a show of anger" more formal than "getting angry"?

Yes, "a show of anger" is generally more formal and descriptive, suitable for news reports or analytical writing. "Getting angry" is more casual and suitable for everyday conversation.