became restless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became restless" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of agitation or inability to remain still, often due to anxiety or impatience. Example: "As the meeting dragged on without resolution, she became restless and started tapping her foot."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The investor base became restless.

Harvard Business Review

Väänänen stayed on but soon became restless.

The New Yorker

They were there about 10 months before both became restless.

The Washington Post

Akbar, however, soon became restless under Bayram Khan's tutelage.

Britannica

But he became restless as civil war consumed Syria.

The Washington Post

But he became restless, and the business world beckoned.

The New York Times - Science

The joggers, having stretched every major muscle group, became restless.

The New York Times

Though now the most eminent Roman lawyer in Britain, Daube during the 1960s became restless.

University of California, Berkeley

After a while, the woman who had paid her debt became restless and stood to leave.

The New Yorker

However, I became restless about two-thirds of the way through this exhibition.

Independent

But as his and the party's ratings kept sinking, the rank and file became restless.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "became restless" to accurately describe a shift in someone's state, particularly when they transition from being settled or content to feeling uneasy and desiring change. It suggests a gradual increase in dissatisfaction or unease.

Common error

Avoid using "became restless" simply to indicate boredom. The phrase implies a deeper sense of unease or dissatisfaction, not just a lack of stimulation. If someone is simply bored, consider "became bored" or "grew tired of" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became restless" functions as a verb phrase indicating a change of state. It describes the process of transitioning into a state of unease or agitation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English, suggesting that it effectively conveys a shift from a state of calm or contentment to one of unease and a desire for change.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

16%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "became restless" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe a transition into a state of unease, dissatisfaction, or a desire for change. As Ludwig AI states, it is considered correct and usable in written English. Its use across diverse contexts, from News & Media to Academia, demonstrates its broad applicability. When using the phrase, it's important to consider the nuance it conveys – a deeper sense of unease rather than simple boredom. Alternatives like "grew impatient" or "became agitated" can be used to fine-tune the meaning. By understanding its proper usage and connotations, you can effectively communicate a character's or a group's growing desire for change or activity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grew impatient

Focuses on the increasing lack of patience.

grew uneasy

Highlights a growing sense of discomfort or anxiety.

became agitated

Emphasizes a state of heightened emotional arousal and unease.

started feeling confined

Focuses on the sensation of being limited or trapped.

developed an itch to travel

Specifically suggests a longing for travel or change of scenery.

began to chafe

Implies a feeling of irritation or annoyance leading to restlessness.

yearned for a change

Highlights a strong desire for something different.

felt a need for something more

Indicates a dissatisfaction with the current situation and a desire for something greater.

was seized by wanderlust

Specifically refers to a strong impulse to travel.

sought a new challenge

Focuses on the desire for intellectual or professional stimulation.

FAQs

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

Use "became restless" to describe a state of growing unease or dissatisfaction that leads someone to seek change or activity. For example: "After several years in the same job, she "became restless" and started looking for new opportunities."

What are some alternatives to "became restless"?

You can use alternatives such as "grew impatient", "grew uneasy", or "became agitated" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "became restless" or "was restless"?

"Became restless" implies a transition into a state of restlessness, while "was restless" describes a continuous state. Use "became restless" when describing someone's shift from calm to uneasy, and "was restless" when describing someone who has been in a state of unease for some time.

What's the difference between "became restless" and "became anxious"?

"Became restless" suggests a desire for change or activity due to unease, while "became anxious" indicates a state of worry or nervousness. Restlessness can be a symptom of anxiety, but the terms aren't interchangeable. Someone can "became restless" without being anxious, and vice versa.