get jumpy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get jumpy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone becoming anxious, nervous, or easily startled, often in response to a situation or stimulus. Example: "After hearing the loud noise outside, I started to get jumpy and couldn't concentrate on my work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"I get jumpy".

The New Yorker

Win was starting to get jumpy himself.

The New York Times - Magazine

Officers can get jumpy and shoot unnecessarily, or accidentally.

The Economist

And with military choppers overhead, people get jumpy".

The New York Times

Hurry towards the sandbags and the soldiers may get jumpy.

The Guardian

When the élites get jumpy, nervousness trickles down.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Are they getting jumpy?

The New York Times

It gets jumpy.

The New York Times

With big debt payments looming, Tyco's bankers got jumpy.

The Economist

He got jumpy when the server called the sauce "sweet and sour".

The New York Times - Food

Police had been annoying us all day and everybody was getting jumpy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get jumpy" when describing a temporary state of heightened nervousness or sensitivity to stimuli. It is appropriate in both informal and moderately formal contexts.

Common error

While "get jumpy" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated language might be preferred. Opt for alternatives like "become anxious" or "experience heightened sensitivity" in such instances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get jumpy" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating a process of becoming nervous or easily startled. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable expression in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

12%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get jumpy" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a state of increased nervousness or sensitivity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It frequently appears in News & Media sources, with less common occurrences in Wiki and Scientific contexts. While appropriate for many situations, it might be wise to consider more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing. Related phrases include "become anxious", "become nervous", and "become restless". Overall, "get jumpy" is a versatile phrase for conveying a temporary state of heightened unease.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become anxious

Focuses on the onset of anxiety, a more general emotional state.

become nervous

Highlights a state of unease and apprehension.

become restless

Emphasizes an inability to stay still or be at ease.

become edgy

Implies a state of being irritable or easily provoked.

become jittery

Suggests a physical manifestation of nervousness, such as trembling.

get the jitters

Refers to a feeling of nervousness or unease, often before an important event.

be on edge

Describes a state of heightened alertness and tension.

be uptight

Implies a state of being tense and overly concerned about rules or details.

be apprehensive

Emphasizes a feeling of worry about something that might happen in the future.

lose composure

Suggests a breakdown in emotional control due to stress or anxiety.

FAQs

What does it mean to "get jumpy"?

To "get jumpy" means to become nervous, anxious, or easily startled. It suggests a state of heightened sensitivity or unease.

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

You can use "get jumpy" to describe someone's reaction to a situation. For example, "I "started to get jumpy" after hearing the loud noise outside."

What are some alternatives to saying "get jumpy"?

Alternatives to "get jumpy" include "become anxious", "become nervous", or "become restless" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "get jumpy" appropriate for formal writing?

While "get jumpy" is generally acceptable, it may be better to use more formal alternatives like "experience heightened anxiety" or "become apprehensive" in academic or professional contexts.