gets worked up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gets worked up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone becoming emotionally agitated or excited about something, often in a negative context. Example: "She tends to get worked up over minor issues, which can create unnecessary tension in the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

He gets worked up easily.

The New York Times - Magazine

Her voice was taking on an Irish lilt, as it does when she gets worked up.

The New Yorker

And before anyone gets worked up – no, I'm not saying it's the new navy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When she gets worked up, her body undulates for added emphasis.

The New York Times - Arts

Every so often, the American public gets worked up over conditions inside the factories that make its goods.

The New Yorker

And to that end, he often lets his voice crack, like an adolescent's, when he gets worked up.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

He was getting worked up.

The New Yorker

Cummings was getting worked up.

The New Yorker

Then he got worked up.

The New York Times

So why get worked up?

The Guardian

Bugajski was getting worked up.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gets worked up" to vividly portray someone's emotional state, particularly when they become agitated or excited about something. This phrase effectively conveys a sense of heightened emotion.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "gets worked up" in your writing. While effective, overuse can make your prose repetitive. Opt for alternatives like "becomes agitated" or "gets upset" for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gets worked up" functions as an idiomatic expression that describes a state of emotional arousal or agitation. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is perfectly usable in written English. It often implies that someone is becoming anxious, angry, or overly excited about something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gets worked up" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe someone becoming emotionally agitated or excited. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase is considered to have a neutral to informal register. When aiming for variety in writing, alternatives such as "becomes agitated" or "works oneself into a frenzy" can be considered. It's important to use this phrase judiciously to maintain clarity and avoid redundancy. The phrase serves to convey the heightened emotional state of someone in reaction to particular event, subject or trigger. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this is a useful and correct phrase for both new and experienced writers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

works oneself into a frenzy

Implies a high level of emotional intensity and uncontrolled behavior.

gets all riled up

Informal expression indicating excitement or agitation.

becomes agitated

Focuses on a state of restlessness and unease, less intense than being "worked up".

loses one's cool

Emphasizes the loss of composure and self-control.

gets upset

A more general term for emotional distress, lacking the specific connotation of excitement or anger.

becomes overwrought

Suggests a state of extreme emotional distress and mental strain.

becomes flustered

Highlights confusion and agitation, often in response to a challenging situation.

flies into a rage

Indicates a sudden and intense outburst of anger.

gets in a state

General term to refer to a state of negative agitation.

gets excited

Describes a state of heightened enthusiasm, often positive but can also lead to agitation.

FAQs

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

You can use "gets worked up" to describe someone becoming emotionally agitated or excited about something. For example, "He always "gets worked up" before a big game".

What can I say instead of "gets worked up"?

You can use alternatives like "becomes agitated", "gets upset", or "works oneself into a frenzy" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "get worked up"?

Yes, "get worked up" is grammatically correct. However, ""gets worked up"" is often used to describe someone's habitual reaction.

What's the difference between "gets worked up" and "becomes stressed"?

"Gets worked up" implies a more active and potentially visible display of emotion, while "becomes stressed" suggests internal pressure and anxiety.