become aggravated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become aggravated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone is becoming increasingly annoyed or irritated. Example: "As the meeting dragged on without resolution, many participants began to become aggravated by the lack of progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Trump, who regularly watched the briefings, which were broadcast live on cable news, reportedly complained about Spicer's pale suits and later seemed to become aggravated that Spicer was becoming famous, or at least infamous.

The New Yorker

You'll both become aggravated, and nothing will be resolved.

The New York Times

The Kings' owners have struggled and have become aggravated in trying to stay in Sacramento.

The New York Times - Sports

She had become aggravated that he wasn't helping the family enough, sparking the fatal dispute.

The New York Times

"We understand the situation has become aggravated in Syria," the spokesman, Vyacheslav N. Davidenko, said in an interview.

The New York Times

In 2012, I calculated that I sent about 7,000 texts a month; now, thanks to the creeping unwieldiness of phones and the misfirings of autocorrect, I can barely manage to peck out half a sentence before I become aggravated by the effort and give up.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

His nasal passages became aggravated by dust or pollen, which restricted his breathing somewhat.

The New York Times - Sports

A sore left hand became aggravated and he could not throw a jab in training.

The New York Times - Sports

The situation subsequently became aggravated by increased migration from rural to urban areas, resulting in extreme urban overcrowding.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet since his youth he had suffered from a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder, or even Tourette's syndrome, which became aggravated with the years.

The New Yorker

Gomez became aggravated with his inability to string together two good games, and had no fight left in the tie breaker.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become aggravated", ensure the subject is clearly defined and the reason for the aggravation is evident to maintain clarity and impact.

Common error

While acceptable, "aggravated" can sometimes sound less formal. Consider using synonyms like "exacerbated" or "intensified" in formal or academic contexts for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become aggravated" functions as a verb phrase, where "become" is a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "aggravated", which describes the state or condition of the subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

54%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "become aggravated" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes a state of increasing irritation or the worsening of a situation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. While primarily found in News & Media and Science contexts, it can be adapted to various writing styles. When selecting this phrase, consider the specific context to ensure it aligns with the desired tone and formality. Alternatives like "get irritated" or "become frustrated" offer similar meanings, but with subtle differences in connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become irritated

This is a direct synonym, emphasizing the state of irritation.

get irritated

This alternative focuses on the immediate emotional reaction, rather than the process of becoming so.

become frustrated

This alternative highlights the feeling of being blocked or prevented from achieving something.

grow annoyed

This alternative highlights the gradual increase in annoyance.

become exasperated

This option suggests a higher degree of frustration than "aggravated".

get frustrated

Similar to "get irritated", this focuses on the immediate feeling of frustration.

grow impatient

This alternative emphasizes the loss of patience.

become inflamed

This alternative is more commonly used in medical contexts to describe the worsening of a physical condition.

worsen

This alternative is broader, indicating that a situation is deteriorating but without specifying the type of aggravation.

deteriorate

This alternative conveys a more significant decline than "become aggravated".

FAQs

How can I use "become aggravated" in a sentence?

You can use "become aggravated" to describe a situation where someone's irritation increases. For example: "The customer "became aggravated" by the long wait times."

What are some alternatives to "become aggravated"?

Alternatives include "become irritated", "grow annoyed", or "get frustrated", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "became aggravated" or "got aggravated"?

"Became aggravated" generally sounds more formal, while "got aggravated" is more informal and conversational. Both are grammatically correct and acceptable.

What's the difference between "become aggravated" and "become exacerbated"?

"Become aggravated" typically refers to emotional irritation, while "become exacerbated" usually describes the worsening of a physical condition or problem.