became uneasy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became uneasy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a shift in someone's feelings or state of mind, indicating that they started to feel discomfort or anxiety. Example: "As the meeting progressed, she became uneasy about the direction of the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

But as the race progressed, Velazquez became uneasy.

The New York Times - Sports

Faced with my silence, he also became uneasy.

The New Yorker

Chencho Wangdi, our horseman, became uneasy, and humbly requested that we pack up camp and leave.

The New York Times

But Kassar became uneasy, and claimed that he couldn't obtain a visa for his Argentine passport.

The New Yorker

At first he found it really enjoyable, then he gradually became uneasy and paranoid!

Independent

The College Board became uneasy with that description and changed it to "Scholastic Assessment Test".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

But, if it looks too human, people quickly become uneasy and even disgusted.

The New Yorker

J.C.: They are doing all right, though Matt has become uneasy.

The New Yorker

Marr said he had become "uneasy" as a journalist at having obtained it.

The Guardian

As "Inhabit" continues, the stage darkens and the formerly bubbly dancers become uneasy and introverted.

The New York Times - Arts

At the same time, I started to become uneasy; butterflies in my stomach and panic became the norm.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "became uneasy" to describe a gradual onset of discomfort, anxiety, or worry in a subject, often in response to specific circumstances or events. For example: "He became uneasy when the negotiations stalled."

Common error

Avoid using "became uneasy" to describe feelings that arise suddenly and intensely. "Became uneasy" implies a gradual process, not a sharp, immediate emotional shift. Instead, use phrases like "suddenly panicked" or "was immediately alarmed."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became uneasy" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a transition to a state of discomfort or anxiety. Ludwig examples show its usage across diverse contexts, demonstrating a gradual shift in feeling.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Lifestyle

7%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "became uneasy" effectively communicates the gradual development of discomfort or anxiety. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and suitable for describing various situations, primarily appearing in News & Media contexts. While similar to phrases like "grew anxious" or "felt apprehensive", it uniquely emphasizes the transition into a state of unease. Remember to use it for gradual feelings, avoiding its application for sudden emotional shifts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became concerned

Focuses on worry and care about something.

grew anxious

Focuses more on the development of anxiety.

started to worry

Indicates the beginning of a worrying state.

felt apprehensive

Highlights a sense of foreboding about a future event.

felt disquieted

Suggests a loss of inner peace.

turned wary

Emphasizes caution and suspicion.

felt agitated

Suggests a state of being troubled or nervous.

grew restless

Implies a lack of peace or ability to stay still.

felt insecure

Highlights a lack of confidence and safety.

turned skeptical

Emphasizes doubt and disbelief.

FAQs

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

Use "became uneasy" to describe a gradual feeling of discomfort or anxiety that develops over time. For example: "As the meeting progressed, she "became uneasy" about the project's direction."

What are some alternatives to "became uneasy"?

Alternatives to "became uneasy" include "grew anxious", "felt apprehensive", or "became concerned". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "started becoming uneasy"?

While grammatically valid, "started becoming uneasy" can sound redundant. It's often better to use ""became uneasy"" or "started to feel uneasy" for a more concise and natural expression.

What's the difference between "became uneasy" and "felt uneasy"?

"Became uneasy" implies a transition into a state of unease, while "felt uneasy" describes the state itself. "He "became uneasy" when he heard the news" suggests the feeling developed, whereas "He "felt uneasy" during the meeting" indicates an existing state.