as jumpy as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as jumpy as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is very nervous or anxious, often in a figurative sense. Example: "After drinking too much coffee, I felt as jumpy as a cat on a hot tin roof."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Sam was starting to look as jumpy as the rest of them.

Harvard Business Review

"Do they bite?" "Can we touch it?" students asked, as jumpy as popcorn kernels.

The New York Times

Anonymous Sounds as if Big Daddy likes control, or keeping you as jumpy as cats on a hot tin roof.

The New York Times

THE night his first solo exhibit opened in New York, Don DeNarie was as jumpy as a rabbit.

The New York Times

It may be argued that drivers should be more careful to obey troops' orders, but in the dark civilians can be as jumpy as soldiers.

The Guardian

By the time the Ghost meets Lang, who's holed up at Martha's Vineyard, he is as jumpy as the rest of us.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Powley has appeared in numerous plays including her turn in Elephants at the Hampstead Theatre in London, the Royal Court Theatre's West End production of Tusk Tusk, as well as Jumpy at the Royal Court Theatre.

BBC

A hectic restaurant can be as jumpy and intimate as a foxhole, without the live ammunition.

The New York Times

The work is a mad mythological jamboree as jumpy with special effects as a digitally enhanced Hollywood film.

The New York Times - Arts

"I was actually coming down to earth a little bit, and now I feel just as jumpy and anxious and nervous as I did in those first weeks," he said.

The New York Times

The market turned on a dime as jumpy investors seized on the report as an excuse to push shares sharply higher.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as jumpy as" to vividly describe someone's heightened state of anxiety or nervousness, particularly when comparing them to a commonly understood source of jumpiness (e.g., "as jumpy as a cat on a hot tin roof").

Common error

While "as jumpy as" is acceptable in informal contexts, avoid using it in formal writing where a more clinical or precise description of anxiety may be required. Consider alternatives like "highly anxious" or "extremely nervous".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as jumpy as" functions as a simile, used to describe a state of heightened nervousness or anxiety by comparing it to something known for being easily startled or agitated. Ludwig's examples illustrate this comparison across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as jumpy as" is a simile used to effectively describe someone's heightened state of nervousness or anxiety, often by comparing them to something known for being easily startled. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples from various sources, primarily News & Media. While relatively uncommon, this phrase adds a vivid and relatable dimension to descriptions, making it suitable for neutral to informal contexts. For formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "highly anxious". It's a useful expression for conveying a sense of unease and heightened sensitivity, but writers should be mindful of the setting and choose language accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as nervous as

Direct synonym, focuses on the state of being nervous.

as anxious as

Similar in meaning, emphasizing worry and apprehension.

as jittery as

Describes physical manifestation of nervousness.

as skittish as

Suggests a tendency to be easily startled or frightened.

as edgy as

Implies a state of being on edge and irritable.

as restless as

Focuses on the inability to stay still or relax.

as uptight as

Indicates a state of tension and rigidity.

as high-strung as

Suggests a naturally nervous or excitable temperament.

as twitchy as

Describes involuntary muscle movements due to nervousness.

as wired as

Suggests being energized and anxious simultaneously.

FAQs

How can I use "as jumpy as" in a sentence?

You can use "as jumpy as" to describe someone who is very nervous or anxious. For example, "He was "as jumpy as" a rabbit before his presentation".

What can I say instead of "as jumpy as"?

You can use alternatives like "as nervous as", "as anxious as", or "as jittery as" depending on the context.

Is "as jumpy as" considered formal or informal?

"As jumpy as" is generally considered informal and is best suited for casual conversations or less formal writing. In professional or academic settings, more precise language may be preferred.

What's the difference between "as jumpy as" and "as edgy as"?

"As jumpy as" emphasizes nervousness and anxiety, while "as edgy as" implies a state of being tense, irritable, and on edge. The nuance lies in whether you want to highlight the nervousness or the irritability.