becoming restless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "becoming restless" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of increasing agitation or impatience over time. Example: "As the meeting dragged on without any resolution, I could feel myself becoming restless in my seat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

But he was becoming restless.

The New York Times - Books

People, he says, are becoming restless and materialistic.

The Economist

In the playground, the children were becoming restless.

The Guardian

Shareholders of the HealthSouth Corporation are becoming restless.

The New York Times

Becoming restless, Murray Cutler shifted in his bed and sighed.

The New Yorker

I couldn't sit for three minutes without becoming restless and uncomfortable in my skin.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

I left because I was terribly tired and was becoming creatively restless.

The Guardian

Ms. Denson said the workshop taught her the best way to keep the chickens from becoming too restless.

The New York Times

Another top shareholder said investors were becoming increasingly restless because the company's behaviour and reputation were affecting the share price and financial results were weaker.

The Guardian - Business

France, with a long history of labor militancy, has becoming increasingly restless as the impact of the global economic crisis deepens.

The New York Times

ERBIL, Iraq — The semiautonomous region of Kurdistan is the one place in battered Iraq that promised economic boom times, but some of the foreign oil companies that rushed in over the past few years are becoming increasingly restless.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "becoming restless" to describe a gradual increase in unease or impatience, often due to boredom, confinement, or unmet expectations. Consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the situation, such as describing children in a classroom or investors in a company.

Common error

Avoid attributing "becoming restless" solely to physical discomfort. While physical factors can contribute, restlessness often stems from psychological or emotional factors like boredom, anxiety, or unmet needs. Ensure the context reflects the underlying cause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "becoming restless" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, where "becoming" is a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "restless". It indicates a change of state. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in describing a state of increasing agitation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "becoming restless" effectively conveys a gradual increase in agitation, unease, or impatience. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, consider the underlying cause of the restlessness and ensure the context aligns with this nuance. While alternatives like "growing impatient" or "getting agitated" exist, "becoming restless" specifically highlights the transitional aspect. By avoiding common errors, such as attributing restlessness solely to physical discomfort, you can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

growing impatient

Focuses on the increasing lack of patience.

getting agitated

Emphasizes the increasing feeling of agitation.

growing uneasy

Highlights the increasing feeling of unease.

starting to fidget

Focuses on the physical manifestation of restlessness.

growing antsy

Uses a more informal term for restless.

losing patience

Highlights the dwindling level of patience.

getting stir-crazy

Suggests a restlessness caused by confinement or boredom.

developing wanderlust

Implies a restlessness specifically related to a desire to travel.

finding it hard to sit still

Emphasizes the difficulty in remaining stationary due to restlessness.

getting antsy in one's pants

Idiomatic expression for being extremely restless or impatient.

FAQs

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

You can use "becoming restless" to describe a state of increasing agitation or impatience. For example, "As the meeting dragged on, the attendees were "becoming restless"."

What are some alternatives to "becoming restless"?

Alternatives include "growing impatient", "getting agitated", or "growing uneasy" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "become restless" instead of "becoming restless"?

"Become restless" suggests a sudden shift, whereas ""becoming restless"" implies a gradual process. The best choice depends on the specific context you want to convey.

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

"Being restless" describes a current state, while ""becoming restless"" describes a process of gradually transitioning into that state. For example, "He was restless" describes his general condition, while "He was becoming restless" suggests his restlessness was increasing.