become agitated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become agitated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of increasing emotional disturbance or anxiety in a person. Example: "As the deadline approached, she began to become agitated, unable to focus on her work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If the prices of several securities become agitated, due to the continuous statistical arbitrage, the agitation spreads to other securities, promulgating market-wide chaotic price movements.

HuffPost

The sheep become agitated, and their cries louder, as a high-pitched engine approaches.

The Guardian

But if they become agitated, I turn away, or even better -- pick the group behind them.

The New York Times - Style

Most then find the restraints so upsetting that they become agitated and wind up being sedated.

The New York Times - Health

They may unexpectedly become agitated or angry and have difficulty filtering inappropriate language.

The New York Times - Health

In the last few days, conservatives have become agitated about Mitt Romney's drop-off in the polls.

The New York Times

When England were chasing the win, they didn't become agitated, just kept at it, and eventually, things happened.

The Guardian - Sport

That is huge by the usual standards of retailing, and yet no trust-buster should allow himself to become agitated about that sort of market concentration.

The Economist

Dr. Garland said some people could and did become agitated and unpredictable in response to the drugs, usually just after starting to take them or soon after stopping.

The New York Times

But demented patients cannot explain symptoms, so they often lash out or become agitated instead, something a simple antibiotic may solve.

The New York Times - Science

Due to unmet expectations, patients may become agitated, which can manifest itself in problematic behaviours within EDs in Hong Kong.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid redundancy, consider varying your vocabulary by using synonyms such as "grow anxious" or "get worked up", depending on the context.

Common error

While "become agitated" is acceptable, overuse in formal contexts can make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for more precise verbs like "become anxious" or "become unsettled" for enhanced clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become agitated" functions as a verb phrase, describing a change in emotional state. It indicates a transition into a state of restlessness, anxiety, or irritability. As per Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

25%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become agitated" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a state of increasing anxiety, restlessness, or irritability. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's frequently found in news and media sources, as well as in wikis, but should be used with consideration in formal and scientific writing where more precise language may be preferred. While acceptable, overusing it can lead to repetitive writing; hence, knowing semantically similar replacements such as "grow anxious" or "get worked up" would make writing more engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grow anxious

Focuses on the increasing feeling of worry or unease.

get worked up

Emphasizes the escalation of excitement or nervousness.

become unsettled

Highlights a feeling of restlessness and lack of peace.

grow restless

Implies an inability to stay still or calm.

get flustered

Indicates a state of confusion and agitation, often in social situations.

become frantic

Suggests a state of extreme worry and hurried activity.

lose composure

Implies a loss of self-control and emotional stability.

become unnerved

Focuses on the feeling of losing confidence or courage.

get on edge

Highlights a state of heightened tension and irritability.

fly off the handle

Implies a sudden and uncontrolled outburst of anger.

FAQs

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

You can use "become agitated" to describe someone's emotional state. For example, "The crowd started to "become agitated" as the concert was delayed".

What are some alternatives to "become agitated"?

You can use alternatives like "grow anxious", "get worked up", or "become unnerved" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "become agitated" or "get agitated"?

Both "become agitated" and "get agitated" are acceptable, but "become agitated" often implies a more gradual process, while "get agitated" suggests a more immediate reaction.

What is the difference between "become agitated" and "become aggressive"?

"Become agitated" describes a state of anxiety or restlessness, while "become aggressive" describes a state of anger and potential violence. Agitation can sometimes lead to aggression, but they are distinct states.