get worked up

USAGE SUMMARY

"get worked up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe feeling overwhelmed or over-excited about something. For example: "I get worked up when I have too much to do and not enough time to do it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So why get worked up?

The Guardian

We don't get worked up about anything.

The New Yorker

'I couldn't get worked up about it.

The Guardian - Business

"I get worked up about this stuff".

The New York Times - Sports

"Shetlanders don't usually get worked up about politics, " he said.

The Guardian

"I get worked up over things," she explained.

The New York Times

"Penny," my mother said, "don't get worked up now".

The New Yorker

I can't get worked up about pink Lego.

Independent

We like to watch others get worked up".

The New Yorker

There was no reason to get worked up about it.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's not something I get worked up about though.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. "Get worked up" is suitable for informal and semi-formal situations. In formal academic or professional writing, consider using a more precise synonym like "become agitated" or "become concerned."

Common error

Avoid using "get worked up" in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound too informal. Opt for alternatives that convey the same meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get worked up" functions as an idiomatic expression. It describes the process of becoming agitated, excited, or stressed about something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard and correct English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

28%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get worked up" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to describe becoming agitated, excited, or stressed. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s widely accepted in general English. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal contexts. For formal or academic writing, consider alternatives like "become agitated" or "become concerned". The phrase's frequency is high, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. Be mindful of the level of formality required for your writing and choose accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get agitated

This is a simpler version of "become agitated", removing "worked up" for brevity.

get in a state

This option refers to a generalized condition of anxiety, excitement, or distress.

become agitated

This alternative replaces the idiomatic "get worked up" with a more formal expression indicating a state of increased anxiety or excitement.

get stressed out

This alternative highlights the stress and pressure associated with the original phrase.

become overwrought

This alternative implies an emotional state of being excessively agitated or excited.

get flustered

This alternative suggests a state of nervous confusion, which is similar to getting worked up.

lose your cool

This option is a more informal way of saying someone is losing control due to agitation.

get excited

This alternative shifts the focus to excitement, which is one aspect of "getting worked up", but it doesn't necessarily imply stress or anxiety.

fly off the handle

This phrase is a more emphatic idiom, indicating a sudden outburst of anger or frustration.

become anxious

This option focuses specifically on the anxiety aspect of "getting worked up", omitting the potential for excitement or enthusiasm.

FAQs

How can I use "get worked up" in a sentence?

You can use "get worked up" to describe someone becoming agitated, anxious, or excited about something. For example, "I tend to "get worked up" before presentations" or "Don't "get worked up" over minor details".

What's a less informal alternative to "get worked up"?

If you're looking for a less informal alternative, consider using phrases like "become agitated", "become anxious", or "become concerned". These options are suitable for more formal contexts.

Is it correct to say "be worked up" instead of "get worked up"?

Yes, "be worked up" is also a correct and commonly used variation. For example, you could say "She was "worked up" about the test results".

What is the difference between "get worked up" and "get stressed out"?

While both phrases imply negative emotions, "get worked up" can encompass a broader range of feelings, including excitement and anxiety, whereas "get stressed out" specifically refers to feeling overwhelmed by stress or pressure.