agitated tone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "agitated tone" is grammatical and commonly used in written English.
"Agitated tone" refers to the way someone speaks when they are feeling anxious, upset, or angry. It expresses a certain emotion or mood that can be perceived through the way the words are spoken. Example: "The customer's agitated tone on the phone was a clear indication that they were frustrated with our service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Even when Curran's composition was more complex and filled out than it had been at the beginning, and the choreography took on a more agitated tone, there was calm.

The New Yorker

"What speech did you listen to?" Mr. Santorum told The New York Times, speaking in a terse and agitated tone.

The New York Times

"Well, there's more journalists here because this is a press conference," Ms. Ossorio said, in a slightly agitated tone.

The New York Times

She describes the shoot as "frantic but rewarding" and you can sense, just from her slightly agitated tone of voice, how much it cost her emotionally to make the film.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

She apologized for her poor Mandarin and, whenever a word or a phrase eluded her, repeated the Cantonese equivalent to herself in increasingly agitated tones, sighing with frustration.

The New Yorker

"The president's eyes became fixed; his voice took on the agitated, rapid tone of someone neither accustomed to nor welcoming interruption; his easy affability was replaced by an almost messianic certainty," Mr. Obama wrote.

The New York Times

Hill's story closes on an agitated note.

Los Angeles Times

The more Mr Sarkozy adopts a populist tone and agitated manner, the more Mr de Villepin is likely to cultivate a quietly authoritative style.

The Economist

The person may feel agitated or restless.

WikiHow

A person in shock may feel agitated, anxious, or irritated.

WikiHow

In a moment, though, he can summon penetrating power and dispatch throbbing low tones to fortify some agitated outburst.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "agitated tone" to precisely describe a speaker's voice when they are expressing anxiety, frustration, or unease, as opposed to general excitement or happiness.

Common error

Avoid using "agitated tone" to describe someone who is simply enthusiastic or energetic; "agitated" specifically implies a state of disturbance or anxiety, not just high spirits.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "agitated tone" functions as a descriptor, modifying a noun (e.g., voice, speech) to indicate the emotional state of the speaker. It highlights the manner in which something is said, denoting anxiety, unease, or distress. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "agitated tone" is a descriptor used to convey the emotional state of a speaker, particularly when they are feeling anxious, upset, or disturbed. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically sound and its relatively uncommon usage suggests that it is employed with precision to capture a specific emotional quality. While it appears most frequently in News & Media, its presence in Wiki and Academia indicates its broader applicability. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the speaker's state and avoid conflating it with mere excitement or enthusiasm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

restless tone

Replaces "agitated" with a synonym suggesting unease and inability to relax.

upset tone

Replaces "agitated" with a more general term for emotional distress.

rattled tone

Replaces "agitated" with a term indicating nervousness and a lack of composure.

distressed tone

Substitutes "agitated" with a term suggesting the speaker is experiencing significant emotional pain or suffering.

outraged tone

Substitutes "agitated" with a stronger emotion, indicating anger and indignation.

heated tone

Replaces "agitated" with a term that indicates intensity and passion, often associated with anger or excitement.

frantic tone

Substitutes "agitated" with a term indicating desperation and urgency.

animated tone

Replaces "agitated" with a more excited and lively manner, reflecting enthusiasm.

excited tone

Replaces "agitated" with enthusiasm and eagerness.

preoccupied tone

Substitutes "agitated" with a term suggesting the speaker is absorbed in their own thoughts, potentially causing a distracted or uneasy manner.

FAQs

How can I describe someone's voice when they are anxious or upset?

You can use the phrase "agitated tone". Other options include "restless tone" or "distressed tone".

What is the difference between "agitated tone" and "excited tone"?

"Agitated tone" suggests anxiety or disturbance, while "excited tone" implies enthusiasm and happiness. The key difference lies in the underlying emotion being conveyed.

How to use "agitated tone" in a sentence?

Example: "The customer's "agitated tone" indicated they were extremely unhappy with the service."

What are some synonyms for "agitated tone" that I can use?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "nervous tone", "frantic tone", or "heated tone". Consider the specific emotion you wish to convey when choosing a substitute.