feel restless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel restless" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of unease or inability to relax, often due to anxiety or boredom. Example: "After sitting in the meeting for hours, I began to feel restless and found it hard to concentrate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Moreover, most underweight patients feel restless owing to their mental and physical condition, with this restlessness making participation in psychotherapeutic sessions problematic.

BMC Psychiatry

To this day I still feel restless often and somehow photography is the only thing that makes my restlessness make sense.

Vice

Respondents reported how frequently they experienced "unpleasant feelings" in the legs – "for example, creepy-crawling or tingly feelings that make you feel restless and keep you from getting a good night's sleep", with options ranging from "never" to "every night".

BMC Geriatrics

And you feel restless.

The Guardian

"I feel restless, so to speak.

The New York Times - Sports

But they said they could not help but feel restless.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Feeling restless.

The Guardian

Yet he felt restless.

The New Yorker

I felt restless.

The Guardian - Film

Feeling restless, my eye started to wander.

The New Yorker

She had never felt restless in Orange City.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel restless" to convey a sense of unease, impatience, or an inability to settle down, whether due to boredom, anxiety, or physical discomfort.

Common error

Avoid using "feel restless" in highly formal or academic writing; opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "experience unease" or "exhibit signs of agitation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel restless" functions as a verb phrase expressing a subjective experience or state of being. Ludwig's examples show it describing emotional and physical unease, aligning with Ludwig AI’s assessment of correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel restless" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a sense of unease, impatience, or an inability to relax. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely used in various contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or professional settings. Ludwig's examples illustrate its prevalence in news and media, science, and wiki sources. When using this phrase, consider the context and audience to ensure the tone is appropriate. Remember that related phrases like "experience unease" or "be agitated" can offer more precise or formal alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be antsy

A more informal way to describe feeling restless and impatient.

feel fidgety

Highlights the physical manifestation of restlessness through small movements.

be unable to relax

Highlights the inability to find relaxation or calmness.

be on edge

Emphasizes a state of heightened tension and nervousness.

feel like pacing

Emphasizes the urge to move around due to restlessness.

experience unease

Focuses on the internal sensation of discomfort or disquiet.

be agitated

Describes a state of being disturbed or upset.

have ants in your pants

An idiomatic expression indicating fidgetiness and an inability to stay still.

experience anxiety

Focuses on the underlying anxiety that can cause restlessness.

be itching to

Implies an eagerness or impatience to do something, often stemming from restlessness.

FAQs

What does it mean to "feel restless"?

To "feel restless" means to experience a state of unease, impatience, or inability to relax, often accompanied by a desire to move or change activities.

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

You can use "feel restless" to describe your own state or someone else's, such as "I "feel antsy" after sitting for too long" or "He "was unable to relax" and "experienced anxiety" before the presentation."

What can I say instead of "feel restless"?

You can use alternatives like "experience unease", "be unable to relax", or "have ants in your pants" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "feel restless" in professional writing?

While "feel restless" is generally understood, it may be more appropriate to use formal alternatives like "be agitated" or "be on edge" in professional or academic contexts for a more polished tone.