became irate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became irate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone has become very angry or upset. Example: "When he heard the unfair criticism, he became irate and confronted his colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Instead, I became irate.

The New York Times

"The conductor became irate at this.

The New York Times

As the debate moderator, Todd McDermott of WPBF, enumerated Horowitz's statements, DeSantis became irate.

The Washington Post

She described an old man in Beijing shelling peanuts on a park bench, who became irate when she approached.

The New Yorker

Strangely, however, a few vocal outliers said they loved Texas and became irate when we could not conceal our surprise.

The New Yorker

Media reports suggested one town official became irate after a dog bit him as he strolled along a river.

The New York Times

"It was at this time that the student became irate and pushed and struck the agent," the statement said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The dentist becomes irate.

The New York Times

Some become irate.

The New York Times

Considering the high emotional and financial stakes, couples who get only a few eggs can become irate, Dr. Sauer said.

The New York Times

Yet she dwindles soon enough, becomes irate about something written on a noticeboard and loses her perspective once more.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "became irate". While it is generally acceptable, ensure that the level of formality and the intensity of the emotion are appropriate for your intended audience and purpose. Using stronger words may be necessary if you want to stress the depth of the subject's emotional response.

Common error

While "became irate" is acceptable, it might sound less formal than alternatives like "grew indignant" or "expressed strong disapproval" in professional or academic writing. Choose wording that aligns with the overall formality of your piece.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became irate" functions as a verb phrase indicating a transformation into a state of anger. It typically describes someone's reaction to a specific event or situation. Ludwig shows that is valid.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "became irate" effectively describes the act of becoming very angry or enraged. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the specific nuance and level of formality required for your writing. Alternatives like "grew furious" or "became enraged" may better suit certain situations, depending on the intensity you wish to convey. Choose phrasing that accurately and appropriately communicates the subject's emotional state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grew furious

Emphasizes a gradual increase in anger, suggesting a build-up of frustration.

became enraged

Indicates a state of intense anger, often suggesting a loss of control.

grew indignant

Suggests anger mixed with a sense of injustice or offense.

became infuriated

Highlights the act of being provoked to extreme anger.

grew incensed

Implies a state of burning anger, often due to perceived wrongdoing.

lost one's temper

Focuses on the loss of self-control due to anger.

flew into a rage

Emphasizes a sudden and violent outburst of anger.

became exasperated

Suggests a state of frustration and annoyance, often due to repeated irritation.

got worked up

Indicates a state of agitation and excitement, often in an angry way.

bristled with anger

Highlights a visible display of anger, often with a defensive posture.

FAQs

What does "became irate" mean?

The phrase "became irate" means that someone became very angry or enraged. It suggests a strong, often sudden, feeling of displeasure or indignation.

What can I say instead of "became irate"?

You can use alternatives like "grew furious", "became enraged", or "grew indignant" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "become irate"?

While "become irate" is grammatically valid, "became irate" (past tense) is more commonly used to describe a completed action of becoming angry. Therefore, "became irate" is generally preferred when describing someone's reaction in the past.

What's the difference between "became irate" and "became annoyed"?

"Became annoyed" indicates a mild level of irritation, while "became irate" suggests a much stronger, more intense level of anger. "Irate" implies a higher degree of displeasure than "annoyed".