got agitated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got agitated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of becoming upset or disturbed, often in response to a specific situation or stimulus. Example: "When he heard the news, he got agitated and started pacing around the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"They got agitated.

The Guardian - Sport

Whenever her name was brought up he got agitated".

Independent

"I got agitated in the late 60's and became a rabid antiwar activist," he said.

The New York Times

"He told me, 'I had a love affair, it failed, she got married, I got agitated,' " Saravanan said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Finally, President Bush got agitated when an Irish TV interviewer said most of the Irish found the world more dangerous now than before the Iraq invasion.

The New York Times

He rightly wondered why no one got agitated when tennis teenagers forsook college or attended some Sun Belt elementary school that looked like a big hardcourt.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Get agitated.

Harvard Business Review

Loyalists might get agitated.

The New York Times - Arts

Hannity is getting agitated.

The New Yorker

Karrie never gets agitated.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm not getting agitated.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace "got agitated" with a more descriptive phrase to add nuance. For example, instead of "He got agitated", try "He became anxious and started pacing" for better impact.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "got agitated" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated alternatives such as "became unsettled" or "exhibited signs of disquiet" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got agitated" functions as a verb phrase indicating a change of state, specifically becoming disturbed or excited. As Ludwig AI exemplifies, this phrase is used to describe how individuals or groups react to specific stimuli or situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "got agitated" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe becoming upset or disturbed. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase frequently appears in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's advisable to consider more precise alternatives like "became upset" or "grew restless" for enhanced clarity in formal writing. Avoid overusing "got agitated" in professional settings to maintain a polished tone. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively convey the intended meaning while adhering to appropriate style conventions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lost their cool

Implies a loss of composure and self-control, often in a moment of anger or frustration.

became upset

A more general term indicating a state of unhappiness or distress, which might not necessarily involve outward restlessness.

got worked up

Implies an increase in emotional intensity, often leading to excitement or anger.

became anxious

Focuses more on the mental state of worry and unease, rather than the physical manifestation of agitation.

became flustered

Describes a state of confusion and discomposure, often in response to stress or a sudden surprise.

became edgy

Suggests nervousness and tension, often due to anticipation or uncertainty.

grew restless

Suggests a difficulty in staying still or calm, often due to boredom or impatience, but less intense than agitation.

grew irritable

Focuses on increased sensitivity and proneness to annoyance, rather than the more active state of agitation.

became perturbed

Indicates a state of mild alarm or disturbance, often due to something unexpected or unpleasant.

became frantic

Indicates extreme worry and desperate action, often in a situation of crisis or emergency.

FAQs

What does "got agitated" mean?

The phrase "got agitated" means to become disturbed, upset, or restless. It describes a state of increased emotional or physical activity, often due to stress or discomfort.

How can I use "got agitated" in a sentence?

You can use "got agitated" to describe someone's reaction to a situation. For example, "The crowd "got agitated" after hearing a loud bang".

What can I say instead of "got agitated"?

You can use alternatives like "became upset", "grew restless", or "became anxious" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "got agitated" or "became agitated"?

Both "got agitated" and "became agitated" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations.