got restive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got restive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone becomes restless or impatient, often due to a lack of action or progress. Example: "As the meeting dragged on without any clear direction, the attendees got restive and began to fidget in their seats."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

More in the mood to talk than listen, though (especially to rules), the group got restive.

The New York Times

The Catholic church got restive, especially when the general ignored calls for land reform from the indigenous poor.

The Economist

By all accounts, Coughlin tempered his disciplinarian's streak after the 2006 season, when the team went 8-8 and the locker room got restive.

The New Yorker

"It was a long and agonizing period, and the longer it went on, the more people got restive," says Mr. Varnedoe of the slow-motion succession.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The City is also getting restive.

Independent

But as people get restive, this may change.

The Economist

The trade unions are beginning to get restive too.

The Economist

As a result, the gangs are getting restive.

The Economist

The murky underworld of mutri — or Bulgarian gangsters or mugs — is also getting restive.

The New York Times

But that won't stop investors from getting restive if Exxon's misses become more common.

The New York Times

NEW YORK — Welcome to Weimar America: It's getting restive in the beer halls.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a group's reaction to prolonged inactivity or unwelcome rules, use "got restive" to convey a sense of growing impatience and unease. For example, "The crowd got restive as the speaker droned on."

Common error

Avoid using "got restive" in highly formal or academic writing, as it can sound slightly informal. Opt for more formal alternatives like "became restless" or "grew impatient" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got restive" functions as a verb phrase indicating a change of state, specifically becoming restless or impatient. The examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in describing groups or individuals experiencing growing unease or agitation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "got restive" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe a state of growing restlessness or impatience. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, suggesting it is suitable for describing situations where individuals or groups become uneasy due to delays or unwanted circumstances. While the phrase is more common in news and media contexts, it is less frequently found in formal or academic writing. For more formal settings, alternatives such as "became restless" or "grew impatient" are recommended. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of increasing discomfort and agitation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became restless

Replaces 'got' with 'became', offering a more formal tone.

grew impatient

Substitutes 'restive' with 'impatient', emphasizing a lack of tolerance for delays.

turned edgy

Indicates a shift towards nervousness or irritability.

grew uneasy

Highlights a growing feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

became agitated

Suggests a state of heightened restlessness and irritation.

started fidgeting

Focuses on physical manifestations of restlessness.

grew antsy

Uses a more informal term for restlessness.

became on edge

Implies a state of heightened awareness and tension.

started to chafe

Emphasizes irritation and discontent due to restrictions or delays.

lost patience

Highlights the complete exhaustion of patience.

FAQs

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

You can use "got restive" to describe a situation where someone or a group of people become restless or impatient, often due to boredom or a delay. For example, "The audience "got restive" during the long intermission."

What's a more formal way to say "got restive"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "became restless", "grew impatient", or "became agitated" instead of "got restive".

Is "got restive" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "got restive" may be considered too informal for academic writing. Opt for alternatives such as "became restless" or "grew uneasy" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "got restive" and "became restless"?

"Got restive" is slightly more colloquial than "became restless". The latter is generally more suitable for formal writing.