anger

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "anger" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a strong feeling of displeasure or hostility, such as in the sentence: "The news that the company was laying off hundreds of workers angered the workforce".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But, as a private company – just like a comedian mulling over a rape joke, or a troll looking for a target for his anger – it could choose not to.

The Guardian

He has told ABC radio he made the remarks "in the heat of anger and frustration".

The Guardian

When asked to respond to Simon Cowell's recent comment that Clarkson "started to fight against what made her successful … one minute she wants to make pop records, and then she doesn't," she laughs loudly again, but there's a distinct flash of anger as she says: "Everyone's aware that My Life Would Suck Without You and Already Gone were huge pop hits, right?

The Guardian - Music

The reason this final part is restricted to working parents (much to the anger of those who are lobbying for stay-at-home-mothers) is that this policy has a different motivation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Such is the affection for Stuart Pearce in these parts, the opprobrium of the Nottingham Forest supporters on the final whistle was muted and delivered as much in sorrow as in anger, but their patience with the manager must be wearing thin.

The Guardian - Sport

An insufficient number of police were deployed to Mare Street and Clarence Road, offering futile attempts to contain the anger of a vast number of youths, the source of which remains unknown.

The Guardian - Opinion

They argued that, because loyalist paramilitaries had no representation in the Stormont parliament or that because socioeconomic or educational attainment was low in poor Protestant areas around eastern Belfast, these communities suddenly erupted in anger.

The Guardian

On the eve of the commencement, anger was still simmering as president James F Jones Jr announced he would not participate Saturday because of the fears of unspecified disruptions.

The Guardian

We live in a culture obsessed with offence, which is not in itself a bad thing – most of us would agree that we would prefer not to anger or upset other people if we can help it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hungarians have taken to the streets in recent weeks to demand corruption be stamped out, and experts said the protests against the internet tax showed that anger was building.

The Guardian

For those who knew him, the loss will be a source of both sadness and anger.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "anger", consider the intensity and duration of the emotion you want to convey. Choose synonyms like "fury", "resentment", or "irritation" to add nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "anger" and "aggression" interchangeably. "Anger" is an emotion, while "aggression" is a behavior that may or may not stem from anger. For example, you might feel "anger" without resorting to aggressive actions.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "anger" is as a noun, representing a strong feeling of displeasure or hostility. It can also function as a verb, meaning to provoke such a feeling. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s acceptable and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Opinion

20%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Lifestyle

3%

Business

3%

Film

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "anger" is a versatile term in the English language, primarily functioning as a noun to denote a strong feeling of displeasure or hostility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Its communicative purpose is to express or describe this intense emotion, suitable for various contexts ranging from news reports to personal reflections. While "anger" is appropriate for neutral registers, nuances can be added by selecting synonyms like "fury" or "irritation" for different levels of intensity. Remember to distinguish between the emotion of "anger" and the behavior of aggression. Example sentences from Ludwig's sources illustrate its consistent usage across media, opinion pieces, and sports reporting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wrath

A more intense and often formal term for anger.

fury

Suggests a wild or violent anger.

indignation

Anger caused by something perceived as unfair or unjust.

resentment

A feeling of bitterness or indignation at having been treated unfairly.

irritation

A state of being annoyed or frustrated.

vexation

The state of being annoyed, frustrated or worried.

annoyance

The feeling or state of being annoyed; irritation.

displeasure

A feeling of dissatisfaction or disapproval.

exasperation

A feeling of intense irritation or annoyance.

outrage

An extremely strong reaction of anger and shock.

FAQs

How can I effectively express "anger" in writing?

To express "anger" effectively, provide specific details about the source of the anger and its impact. For instance, instead of simply stating "I felt anger", describe what caused the anger and how it made you feel or react.

What words can I use instead of "anger" to describe strong feelings?

You can use alternatives like "wrath", "fury", or "indignation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "anger" as a verb?

Yes, "anger" can be used as a verb to mean 'to cause such a feeling of antagonism' or 'to become angry'. For example, "Don't anger me" or "You anger too easily".

What's the difference between "anger" and "annoyance"?

"Anger" is a strong feeling of displeasure, hostility, or antagonism, while "annoyance" is a milder form of irritation or displeasure. "Anger" is more intense and often associated with a desire to harm or confront.