became outraged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became outraged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a transition to a state of anger or indignation in response to a situation or event. Example: "When she heard the unfair decision, she became outraged and demanded an explanation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

He became outraged because other judges had ordered his release, ruling that the prosecution had violated his rights.

The New York Times

In 1985 Mr. Norton, whose ancestors were Irish, moved to Ireland and became outraged at attacks on the homes of Roman Catholics in Northern Ireland.

The New York Times

"He became outraged and unnerved because he's handling a black woman who is not ignorant, who knows her rights," he said.

The Guardian

It would be even better if they became outraged enough to demand campaign finance reform that would ban unregulated donations to political parties known as "soft money".

The New York Times

Predictably, people quickly became outraged and took to social media saying that it was the "unfunniest most offensive SNL monologue ever", stating that anyone who defends it must be a "predator themselves".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Brand, who has previously spoken about her father's depressive illness, which remained undiagnosed until he was in his 50s, said she first became outraged by reporting of mental health during her 10 years as a nurse.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Under this proposed law, if a person expresses one belief about gods, and other people think that this insults a different belief about gods, then these people can become outraged, and this outrage can make it illegal for the first person to express his or her beliefs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Did Al Gore become outraged about prescription-drug prices for seniors just because they're outrageous?

The New Yorker

But, he added, "the people have to become outraged enough".

The New York Times - Books

He is temperamental and becomes outraged when he is not properly fed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They were outraged and expected the rest of the population to become outraged with them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "became outraged" to describe a specific moment when someone transitions into a state of anger or indignation. This phrase is particularly effective when highlighting the cause of the outrage.

Common error

While "became outraged" is acceptable, consider using more nuanced or formal alternatives like "grew indignant" or "was incensed" /s/grew+indignant if the context is highly formal or academic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became outraged" functions as a verb phrase indicating a transition to a state of intense anger or indignation. This construction typically follows a subject and precedes an explanation of the cause or object of the outrage. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

14%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "became outraged" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of transitioning into a state of anger or indignation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While suitable for various contexts, it finds frequent use in News & Media and Wiki. Though acceptable, writers should consider more formal options like "grew indignant" or "was incensed" depending on the writing context. Remember that "became outraged" emphasizes the triggering event that leads to the state of outrage. While commonly used, its somewhat informal tone may not suit all formal or academic writing situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expressed outrage

A more direct and active way of conveying the feeling.

was infuriated

Highlights the act of being provoked to extreme anger.

turned furious

Emphasizes a rapid transition to intense anger.

was incensed

Indicates a state of extreme anger and resentment.

grew indignant

Suggests a more formal and controlled expression of outrage.

was provoked to anger

Focuses on the external stimulus causing the outrage.

flew into a rage

Describes a sudden and uncontrolled outburst of anger.

boiled over with anger

Suggests a buildup of anger that finally erupts.

bristled with anger

Implies a visible display of irritation and resentment.

seethed with resentment

Conveys a suppressed and internal feeling of outrage.

FAQs

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

You can use "became outraged" to describe a transition to a state of anger. For example: "When she heard the unfair decision, she "became outraged" and demanded an explanation."

What are some alternatives to "became outraged"?

Alternatives include "grew indignant", "turned furious", or "was incensed", depending on the intensity and formality you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "became outraged" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "became outraged" might be too informal for certain academic or professional contexts. Consider alternatives like "expressed displeasure" or "registered strong objection".

What's the difference between "became outraged" and "was angry"?

"Became outraged" implies a specific moment of transition into anger, often triggered by a particular event. "Was angry" is a more general state of being. The nuance lies in the suddenness and identifiable cause with "became outraged".