became indignant

USAGE SUMMARY

"became indignant" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a strong emotion of anger or annoyance. For example, "The politician became indignant when they asked him to explain his position on the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Called out, Goldsmith became indignant.

The Guardian

That is when Harrington became indignant.

The New York Times - Sports

When I betrayed a flash of nonchalance, she became indignant.

The New York Times - Travel

After Hilton and other observers decried Banks's language, she became indignant.

The Guardian - Music

When I asked Mr. Folicaldi what went into the tapenade, he became indignant.

The New York Times

He became indignant when asked about America's low moral standing overseas as a result of torturing terrorist suspects.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"Liberals become indignant; radicals become fighting mad and go into action".

The Guardian - Opinion

"So if he becomes indignant and denies everything what're you gonna do?

The New Yorker

When you pointed this out to his supporters during the election, many would become indignant.

The Guardian - Opinion

To be frank, I too become indignant at deliberately provocative uses of hallowed religious or national symbols.

The New York Times

The funny part, he said, would have been that "Phoebe becomes indignant that she hasn't signed it Mary Poppins".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "became indignant" to describe a reaction to something perceived as unfair or unjust. This phrase effectively conveys both the feeling of anger and the belief that one has been wronged.

Common error

While appropriate in news and formal writing, avoid using "became indignant" too frequently in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "got angry" or "was annoyed" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became indignant" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a transition into a state of anger or strong displeasure. Ludwig examples show it describing reactions to perceived injustices or disrespect.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "became indignant" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a transition into a state of anger or strong displeasure, particularly in response to something perceived as unfair. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase conveys a sense of being wronged. While more formal alternatives exist, "became indignant" strikes a neutral tone, making it suitable for various professional and journalistic contexts. When writing, remember that is particularly effective when describing reactions to injustice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became outraged

Replaces "indignant" with a synonym that suggests a more intense level of anger and shock.

became incensed

Emphasizes a state of extreme anger and fury, often in response to something perceived as unjust.

became angry

Offers a simpler, more general term for expressing a feeling of displeasure.

expressed outrage

Focuses on the outward expression of strong disapproval and anger.

felt affronted

Indicates a sense of being personally insulted or disrespected.

grew resentful

Highlights a feeling of bitterness and displeasure towards someone or something.

objected strongly

Highlights a clear and forceful disagreement or disapproval.

took offense

A more colloquial way of saying someone was bothered or angered by something.

bristled at

Suggests a sudden, defensive reaction to something unpleasant or challenging.

showed displeasure

Indicates a mild form of disapproval or dissatisfaction.

FAQs

What does "became indignant" mean?

The phrase "became indignant" describes someone who has grown angry or resentful, especially in response to something they perceive as unfair or unjust.

What can I say instead of "became indignant"?

You can use alternatives like "became outraged", "became angry", or "became incensed" depending on the intensity you wish to convey.

How to use "became indignant" in a sentence?

Use "became indignant" to describe a character's reaction to an unfair situation. For example, "She became indignant when she learned about the company's discriminatory practices."

Is "became indignant" formal or informal?

The phrase "became indignant" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "got angry" or "was annoyed". It is suitable for news reports, essays, and professional writing.