exasperated tone

USAGE SUMMARY

'exasperated tone' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the tone in which someone speaks when they are very frustrated or impatient. For example, you could write, "John responded in an exasperated tone, 'I'm tired of repeating myself!'".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"No way," he told me in an exasperated tone.

The New York Times

Asked whether the safety agency had become too close to the industry, Mr. LaHood replied in an exasperated tone, "There is not a cozy relationship.

The New York Times

She had started saying "fuck" quite a lot, perhaps more than Neal did, and in a more exasperated tone of voice.

The New Yorker

"If you take five minutes and read the article, it's very clear that it's a joke!" he said in an exasperated tone.

The New York Times

"We should all be working together," Yoshihiro Miura, 46, a fisherman, said in an exasperated tone as he wove rope by the port.

The New York Times

"It was a bad investment from Day 1, and any intelligent businessman would have known that," Mr. McElwain, 72, said in an exasperated tone.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Talking in exasperated tones about the importance of fiscal responsibility is easy.

The New York Times

Have you gone mad?" listeners heard Mr. Sharon growling in exasperated tones before the broadcast was cut off.

The New York Times

"Have you gone crazy, have you gone mad," listeners heard Mr. Sharon growling in exasperated tones shortly beforehand.

The New York Times

We can still hear Morris's exasperated tones fulminating about the possession by the few of what should be the precious birthright of the many.

The Guardian - Books

"Put it on vibrate," Maya said, with an exasperated look.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Enhance the impact of "exasperated tone" by providing context about the situation or person's history with the issue. This helps readers understand the depth of the speaker's frustration.

Common error

Avoid using "exasperated tone" when a simpler emotion like 'annoyance' or 'irritation' is more appropriate. Exasperation implies a higher level of frustration built up over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exasperated tone" functions as an adjective-noun combination, modifying a manner of speaking. It describes how something is said. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exasperated tone" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a specific manner of speaking that conveys frustration and impatience. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and prevalence in writing. Predominantly found in News & Media, as well as in Science, the phrase serves to signal that a speaker is not merely annoyed, but has reached a point of weariness due to repeated or prolonged exposure to a problem. When using the phrase, it’s best to provide context to fully illustrate the extent of the speaker's feelings, and to ensure it's more fitting than simpler terms like "annoyed voice".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tone of exasperation

Rephrases the original phrase using "a tone of" for a slightly different structure.

frustrated tone

Emphasizes the feeling of frustration behind the tone, rather than exasperation.

irritated voice

Highlights the feeling of being irritated, which might be a milder form of exasperation.

annoyed voice

Focuses more on the sound of the voice and the feeling of annoyance.

testy reply

Focuses on the shortness and irritability of the response.

impatient manner

Describes the overall demeanor, not just the tone of voice.

sharp tone

Indicates a sudden, cutting quality in the voice, potentially due to exasperation.

weary tone

Suggests a tone that is tired and worn out, possibly stemming from exasperation.

exasperated sigh

Focuses on the action of sighing as an expression of exasperation, rather than the tone.

incredulous tone

Conveys disbelief or skepticism, which can sometimes accompany exasperation.

FAQs

How can I describe an exasperated tone in writing?

To effectively describe an "exasperated tone", use vivid language to convey the speaker's frustration and impatience. You might include details like a sharp intake of breath, a sigh, or a clipped delivery. For example, instead of just saying "he spoke in an exasperated tone", you could write "he sighed heavily, his voice tight with exasperation".

What's the difference between a frustrated tone and an "exasperated tone"?

While both frustrated and exasperated tones convey negative emotions, "exasperated tone" often implies a higher level of impatience and weariness, usually after repeated attempts or prolonged exposure to a problem. A frustrated tone may be a more immediate reaction to a setback. Consider using "frustrated tone" for shorter-term issues.

When is it appropriate to use "exasperated tone" in writing?

It's fitting to use "exasperated tone" when a character or speaker has reached the end of their rope with a situation, person, or task. It signals a build-up of irritation and a sense of being overwhelmed. It's best applied when there's a history of repeated issues leading to the current emotional state.

Are there alternatives to "exasperated tone" that still convey strong emotion?

Yes, depending on the nuance you want to convey, you could use phrases like "annoyed voice", "irritated voice", or "weary tone". The best choice depends on the specific context and the precise emotion you wish to evoke.