get angry

USAGE SUMMARY

"get angry" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, "John got angry when he heard his sister had broken his favorite toy." This phrase can be used in any context in which someone becomes angry.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Get angry?

The New York Times

We get angry.

Harvard University

Otherwise people get angry.

Yale University

I get angry sometimes.

Independent

Some get angry.

Independent

People get angry.

The Economist

The mayors get angry.

The Economist

He doesn't get angry.

The New York Times

"Did I get angry?

The New Yorker

You might get angry.

The New York Times

You get angry, upset, frustrated.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the intensity of the anger you want to convey. "Get angry" is a general term; synonyms like "become irate" or "fly into a rage" can express stronger emotions.

Common error

While "get angry" is perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation, opt for more sophisticated vocabulary like "become indignant" or "grow incensed" in formal writing to convey a more nuanced and professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get angry" functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective. The verb "get" connects the subject to the adjective "angry", indicating a change of state or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get angry" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the process of becoming angry. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news reports to everyday conversations. While generally neutral in register, consider using more formal alternatives like "become irate" or "grow incensed" in professional writing. To enhance clarity, remember that "get angry" signifies the transition to an angry state, differing from "be angry", which describes the state itself. Ultimately, "get angry" is a versatile and readily understood expression for conveying the onset of anger.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lose one's temper

Focuses on the loss of self-control due to anger, suggesting a momentary lapse in composure.

become irate

Replaces "get" with "become" and "angry" with a stronger synonym, "irate", indicating a higher level of anger.

become enraged

Similar to "become irate" but emphasizes the intensity and uncontrolled nature of the anger.

fly into a rage

Implies a sudden and intense burst of anger, emphasizing the loss of control.

see red

An idiomatic expression indicating sudden, overwhelming anger and a loss of rational thought.

be filled with fury

Emphasizes the internal experience of being consumed by intense anger.

bristle with anger

Suggests a visible, physical manifestation of anger, such as tensing up or showing a defensive posture.

grow incensed

Indicates a gradual build-up of anger, suggesting a more reasoned or provoked response.

boil with indignation

Highlights a righteous anger stemming from a perceived injustice or unfairness.

be cross

A milder, more informal way of saying "get angry", suggesting a slight annoyance or displeasure.

FAQs

How can I use "get angry" in a sentence?

You can use "get angry" to describe someone experiencing anger, for example: "He will "get angry" if you touch his things" or "I "get angry" when people are late".

What can I say instead of "get angry"?

You can use alternatives like "become irate", "lose one's temper", or "be filled with fury" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "got angry" instead of "get angry"?

"Got angry" is the past tense of "get angry" and is grammatically correct. For example, "He "got angry" when he found out about the damage."

What's the difference between "get angry" and "be angry"?

"Get angry" describes the process of becoming angry, while "be angry" describes the state of being angry. For example: "He started to "get angry"" (becoming angry) vs. "He was "be angry"" (already in a state of anger).