feel flustered

USAGE SUMMARY

"feel flustered" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to feel confused, frustrated, or embarrassed in a situation. Example: Sarah felt flustered when she forgot her lines during the school play.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Liking it or becoming a member might make it easier to connect with people if you feel flustered while chatting in person.

Columbia University

In moments when we feel flustered, usually our first impulse is to act in a way we'll come to regret.

Huffington Post

Some moves may be tricky, and you may feel flustered.

WikiHow

The traffic and craziness of the airport can make you feel flustered and at a loss.

WikiHow

You don't want to show up way too early and then end up making your interviewers feel flustered because they aren't ready for you.

WikiHow

Without breakfast, your brain doesn't have enough energy to function, so you won't be able to concentrate on your schoolwork, which will make you feel flustered and stressed.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Solly felt flustered.

The New York Times - Style

Feeling flustered, you copy your friend's order and end up with a table full of steak and chips.

The Guardian

Jesse, who is very calm, has felt flustered only once in the past few months, when he found himself having breakfast with one of his heroes, the jazz guitarist Bill Frisell.

The New Yorker

When my kids outgrew nap time, I felt flustered.

HuffPost

I still felt flustered and anxious ten minutes after the audio ended.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel flustered" to describe a state of mild confusion or agitation, particularly when faced with unexpected challenges or social situations. It conveys a sense of being slightly overwhelmed without implying severe distress.

Common error

While appropriate in many contexts, avoid using "feel flustered" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language like "feel disconcerted" or "experience cognitive overload" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel flustered" primarily functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of being. It typically describes a temporary emotional or mental state characterized by confusion, agitation, and sometimes embarrassment. Ludwig confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feel flustered" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a state of being mildly confused, agitated, or overwhelmed. According to Ludwig, this phrase is frequently used in news and media, as well as in wikis, showing its relevance across different writing styles. Expert analysis rates its quality highly, emphasizing its correct usage and authoritative sourcing. Alternatives such as "feel agitated" or "feel disconcerted" may be suitable in more formal contexts, but "feel flustered" remains a versatile and widely understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel flustered and anxious

Expands on "feel flustered" by specifying a co-occurring emotion: anxiety.

feel discomposed

Describes a loss of one's usual calm demeanor, mirroring the effect of feeling flustered.

feel disconcerted

Highlights a sense of confusion and loss of composure, similar to feeling flustered.

feel unnerved

Suggests a loss of confidence or courage, possibly leading to feeling flustered.

feel bewildered

Emphasizes confusion and disorientation, a key component of feeling flustered.

feel agitated

Focuses more on restlessness and unease compared to feeling flustered.

feel stressed

Highlights the pressure and tension associated with feeling flustered.

feel rattled

Implies a shaking or unsettling feeling, more intense than simply feeling flustered.

feel overwhelmed

Indicates being burdened beyond one's capacity to cope, a possible cause of feeling flustered.

feel discombobulated

Suggests a humorous or lighthearted sense of confusion, akin to feeling mildly flustered.

FAQs

How can I use "feel flustered" in a sentence?

You can use "feel flustered" to describe a state of mild confusion or agitation. For instance, "I "felt flustered" when I couldn't remember her name".

What can I say instead of "feel flustered"?

You can use alternatives like "feel agitated", "feel disconcerted", or "feel rattled" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "feel flustered" or "be flustered"?

"Feel flustered" and "be flustered" are both correct, but they function differently. "Feel flustered" describes the subjective experience, while "be flustered" describes a state of being. For example, "I "felt flustered"" versus "He was flustered by the question".

What's the difference between "feel flustered" and "feel confused"?

"Feel flustered" implies a combination of confusion and agitation, often due to being overwhelmed. "Feel confused" focuses solely on the lack of understanding. You might "feel confused" trying to solve a puzzle, but "feel flustered" when giving a presentation and losing your train of thought.