display of irritation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "display of irritation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a visible expression or manifestation of annoyance or displeasure in someone's behavior or demeanor. Example: "Her display of irritation was evident when she rolled her eyes during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The Russian ambassador, Sergey Lavrov, made an unusual display of irritation as he went into the meeting.

The New York Times

It was an impressive display of irritation, spoiled by his determination to be nice about Cameron hiring American super-cop, Bill Bratton, to advise him on policy.

The Guardian

There are no surprises, except perhaps the beauty of Ms. Anwar, whose brow still can crease, wrinkling her face in a vestigial display of irritation or perplexity; it's a startling, pleasing throwback to the pre-Botox art of acting.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

In spite of Mr. Butler's grumping and harrumphing, and Ms. Aniston's foot-stamping displays of irritation, the emotions in the movie are carefully circumscribed.

The New York Times

It also veered at times between cheery appeals for Britain to celebrate all that was great about itself with rather snarling displays of irritation at those opposing government reforms.

The Economist

For Republicans across the state, who had waited with increasing consternation for Mr. Giuliani to act, it was a day of relief, anxiety about the future and occasional displays of irritation at the way Mr. Giuliani had handled these last few weeks.

The New York Times

He displays flashes of irritation at suggestions that he might be too young or insubstantial to be the leader of the nation.

The New York Times

But he also displayed a flash of irritation when talking about the decision not to start Uribe on Saturday.

Los Angeles Times

Like Romney, they show flashes of irritation with lesser people.

Huffington Post

From his interview with Andrew Marr to the Q&A with party members, he has displayed a remarkable absence of irritation and it has been remarked upon.

BBC

Displays of pique are displays of weakness.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's emotional state in writing, use "display of irritation" to clearly convey that their annoyance is outwardly visible.

Common error

While "display of irritation" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or professional documents. Opt for more nuanced vocabulary to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "display of irritation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a visible manifestation of annoyance or displeasure. Ludwig shows that it often appears when describing reactions or behaviors in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "display of irritation" is a noun phrase that describes a visible expression of annoyance. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and often appears in news and media contexts. While acceptable, it should be used judiciously in formal settings. Alternatives like "expression of annoyance" or "show of displeasure" may be suitable depending on the context. The phrase effectively conveys that someone's irritation is outwardly visible, as exemplified by the instances provided by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expression of annoyance

This alternative focuses on the act of showing annoyance, similar to displaying irritation.

show of displeasure

This phrase highlights the manifestation of dissatisfaction, akin to a display of irritation.

outburst of annoyance

This suggests a sudden and forceful expression of irritation.

visible frustration

This focuses on the observable signs of being frustrated, which can overlap with irritation.

manifestation of vexation

This alternative uses more formal language to describe the showing of annoyance.

hint of annoyance

This denotes a subtle indication of irritation.

trace of irritation

This suggests a very slight or barely perceptible amount of irritation.

air of discontent

This phrase implies a general feeling of dissatisfaction that is noticeable.

sign of aggravation

This alternative points to an indication of being made worse or more unpleasant.

unveiling of pique

This suggests a revealing of temporary feelings of wounded vanity; resentment.

FAQs

How can I use "display of irritation" in a sentence?

You can use "display of irritation" to describe someone's visible annoyance, such as "Her display of irritation was obvious when she sighed loudly".

What are some alternatives to "display of irritation"?

Alternatives include "expression of annoyance", "show of displeasure", or "visible frustration" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "display of irritation" or "expression of irritation"?

Both "display of irritation" and "expression of irritation" are correct, but "display" emphasizes the visibility of the emotion, while "expression" is more general.

What does "display of irritation" imply about someone's behavior?

"Display of irritation" implies that someone is not only feeling annoyed but also outwardly showing it, whether through facial expressions, tone of voice, or actions.