become restless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become 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 any resolution, I could feel myself begin to become restless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Cows in heat become restless).

The New York Times

Yet I don't think you'll become restless at this production.

The New York Times

If I don't go back for a long time I miss it and become restless.

The Guardian - Books

After eight years, after I finish and publish it, I become restless, and talk about moving.

The New Yorker

After the change, Mr. Neufeld was known within ABC News to have become restless.

The New York Times

Are you planning a road trip but are worried that the children will become restless?

The New York Times

Employees, whose options from previous years are now under water, become restless.

The New York Times

More energy is diverted from growth to metabolism as calves breathe faster and often become restless due to discomfort.

Cornell University

You become restless, fidgety, with rapid breathing -- a fear of flying or a terrorist bracing to attack?

The New York Times

The whole point of television is that one can switch channels, that it is normal to switch channels: to become restless, bored.

The New Yorker

"The Shiv Sena's lower cadre has become restless after Bal Thackeray passed away," said Surendra Jondhale, a professor of political science at the University of Mumbai.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become restless" to describe a gradual transition into a state of unease or agitation. It often implies an increasing inability to remain still or content in a given situation.

Common error

While "become restless" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal academic or professional writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "grow uneasy" or "develop anxiety" to convey specific emotional states.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become restless" functions as a linking verb plus an adjective, describing a state of being or a transition into a state. It connects the subject to the adjective "restless", indicating a change in the subject's condition. Ludwig AI examples show it being used to describe changes in emotional and physical states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

17%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "become restless" is a versatile phrase that describes a gradual transition into a state of unease or agitation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, especially in news and media. While it has a neutral tone and can be used in different registers, it's advisable to consider more precise alternatives in formal writing to convey specific emotional states. Remember to use the appropriate tense based on the timeline of events you're describing. Common alternatives include "grow agitated", "start fidgeting", and "get antsy".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grow agitated

Focuses more on the emotional state of being disturbed or upset.

feel edgy

Describes a state of being nervous, tense, or irritable.

grow uneasy

Indicates a developing sense of anxiety or apprehension.

start fidgeting

Emphasizes physical movements indicating nervousness or impatience.

become unsettled

Highlights the feeling of being disturbed or lacking stability.

become impatient

Highlights the feeling of frustration due to delays or obstacles.

lose patience

Highlights the inability to calmly tolerate delays or suffering.

get antsy

Informal way to express impatience or restlessness.

grow weary

Indicates a growing feeling of tiredness and dissatisfaction.

start pacing

Emphasizes the physical act of walking back and forth due to restlessness.

FAQs

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

You can use "become restless" to describe a gradual increase in unease or agitation. For example, "The audience "became restless" during the long speech".

What are some synonyms for "become restless"?

Alternatives include "grow agitated", "start fidgeting", or "get antsy", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "became restless" or should I use another tense?

The tense depends on the context. "Became restless" is past tense, appropriate for describing something that happened in the past. Use "become restless" for present or future scenarios, or other tenses as needed to fit the timeline of events.

What's the difference between "become restless" and "becoming restless"?

"Become restless" is often used to describe a general state or a future transition, while "becoming restless" (present continuous) emphasizes the ongoing process of transitioning into restlessness. For example, "They "become restless" if they don't exercise regularly," versus "They are "becoming restless" after sitting for hours".