became agitated

USAGE SUMMARY

"became agitated" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a person's reaction to something. For example, "When she heard the bad news, she became agitated and started to pace around the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In our preliminary observations, ants of both species became agitated upon collection, and cooling decreased this agitation.

Plosone

Philippe rapidly became agitated.

The Guardian - Travel

His brothers became agitated.

The New York Times

We became agitated.

The New Yorker

Delia became agitated when I introduced myself.

The New Yorker

Katz refused, and Kravinsky became agitated.

The New Yorker

Then she became agitated, claiming that there was someone upstairs.

The New Yorker

Back in the diwaniya, over tea, Sheikh Muther became agitated.

The New Yorker

The locals became agitated and there was a near riot.

The Guardian - Sport

Mike never became agitated or made critical remarks.

The New York Times - Travel

Morey became agitated when the Rockets took a bad shot.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's emotional state in writing, use "became agitated" to vividly depict their rising anxiety or unease in response to a specific trigger.

Common error

While "became agitated" is widely applicable, consider more nuanced vocabulary in formal writing to precisely convey the specific emotion experienced (e.g., "became apprehensive", "grew disconcerted").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became agitated" functions as a verb phrase, specifically using the linking verb "became" to connect the subject with the adjective "agitated", describing a state of being. Ludwig provides numerous examples to illustrate this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "became agitated" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a transition into a state of unease or excitement. As highlighted by Ludwig, its usage is very common, particularly in news and media, but also appears in scientific and academic contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the specific context and choose more precise vocabulary when necessary. Understanding its function and purpose can help writers effectively convey emotional changes in their narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grew anxious

Focuses on the increasing anxiety level.

got worked up

Emphasizes becoming excited, nervous, or upset.

got edgy

Emphasizes a state of being nervous and easily upset.

got flustered

Emphasizes a state of confusion and nervous excitement.

got on edge

Emphasizes a heightened state of awareness and anxiety.

grew irritable

Focuses on an increased tendency to be easily annoyed or angered.

grew tense

Focuses on the increasing physical and emotional strain.

turned restless

Highlights a lack of peace and an inability to stay still.

became perturbed

Highlights a feeling of anxiety or concern; slightly more formal.

became frantic

Highlights a state of extreme distress and urgency.

FAQs

How can I use "became agitated" in a sentence?

You can use "became agitated" to describe someone's increasing state of unease or excitement. For example, "He "became agitated" when he realized he was late for the meeting".

What are some alternatives to "became agitated"?

Alternatives include "grew anxious", "got flustered", or "turned restless", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "became agitated"?

Yes, "became agitated" is grammatically correct. "Became" is a linking verb, and "agitated" is an adjective describing the state of being.

What's the difference between "became agitated" and "became upset"?

"Became agitated" implies a state of heightened nervous excitement or unease, while "became upset" suggests a feeling of sadness, disappointment, or distress. The former is often more physical, while the latter is more emotional.