full of agitation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "full of agitation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being highly disturbed or anxious, often in emotional contexts. Example: "She was full of agitation as she awaited the results of her medical tests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Wearing a dress with ankle boots, she is full of agitation.

The New York Times - Arts

"To live in freedom," De Tocqueville warned, "one must grow used to a life full of agitation, change and danger".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Perhaps Stephen Michael Shearer and Ruth Barton were both drawn by the startling contrast between her eerie on-screen stillness and a life full of drama and agitation to the point of incoherence.

The New York Times - Books

Each is a brave new crowded world in free fall, full of more forms, colors and agitation than any single painting needs.

The New York Times - Arts

Any effort to create a non-agitated state of mind is itself a form of agitation.

Huffington Post

Finally, the sweet sound of agitation.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet never is there any sense of agitation.

The New York Times - Arts

For posterity!" I replied in a state of agitation.

The New Yorker

What's important is that, rather neatly, Agitation Free sound entirely free of agitation – indeed, they sound free of almost everything else, up to and including gravity itself.

The Guardian - Music

It may be that the novel is the exception in a life of agitation, rather than the agitation an odd outcrop in a life of fiction-writing.

The Guardian - Books

It was the 33rd day of agitation by the MKSS for the Right to Information Act.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "full of agitation" when you want to emphasize a state of being overwhelmed by disturbance or anxiety. It's more evocative than simply saying "agitated".

Common error

Avoid using "full of agitation" when a milder term like "uneasy" or "restless" is more appropriate. The phrase suggests a high degree of emotional turmoil.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full of agitation" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun (often a person or situation) to indicate a state of being overwhelmed by disturbance or anxiety. Ludwig indicates that it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "full of agitation" is a grammatically sound and evocative way to describe a state of being overwhelmed by disturbance or anxiety. As Ludwig confirms, it is correct and usable, though not particularly common. While its usage spans from news reports to scientific writing, the phrase is most often found in news and media contexts. Remember that while perfectly valid, using milder alternatives such as "uneasy" or "restless" may be more adequate, depending on context and intensity that one wants to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a state of turmoil

Focuses on inner disturbance and confusion, rather than outward expression.

filled with anxiety

Highlights the anxious component of agitation.

beset by unease

Emphasizes a feeling of discomfort and worry.

seething with restlessness

Implies a suppressed, internal agitation that is ready to erupt.

overcome by disquiet

Stresses a loss of peace and tranquility.

in a flutter of nerves

Suggests light, rapid agitation, often before an event.

gripped by apprehension

Emphasizes the fearful aspect of agitation.

fraught with worry

Focuses on the burdensomeness of worry.

alive with restlessness

Portrays a vibrant but uneasy state.

consumed by anxiety

Suggests anxiety is the all-consuming emotion.

FAQs

How can I use "full of agitation" in a sentence?

You can use "full of agitation" to describe someone experiencing significant emotional or mental disturbance. For example, "She was "full of agitation" as she waited for the important phone call."

What's the difference between "full of agitation" and "anxious"?

"Full of agitation" suggests a more pronounced state of disturbance than simply being "anxious". Agitation implies a visible restlessness or distress.

What are some alternatives to "full of agitation"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "filled with anxiety", "in a state of turmoil", or "beset by unease" as alternatives.

Is "full of agitation" formal or informal?

"Full of agitation" is relatively neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it might be more common in descriptive writing than casual conversation.