great agitation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great agitation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of intense emotional disturbance or unrest. Example: "The news of the impending layoffs caused great agitation among the employees, leading to a tense atmosphere in the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"There was great agitation".

The New York Times

Out of that great agitation, Draper was spun off.

MIT Technology Review

The Senate Democratic luncheon Tuesday was reportedly the scene of great agitation.

The Guardian

But taken together they are creating a great agitation under the surface.

The Economist

The whole city was on fire," said a man here today, showing great agitation and signs of severe emotional stress.

The New York Times

Mr. Elting attached a memorandum vouching for Dr. Riegner's credibility, saying he appeared to be in "great agitation".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

I smiled, skeptically, but she persisted: "Would you prefer a prescription for Xanax?" The next day, in Karson's tiny red VW, we drove deep into the jungle, often through great agitations of yellow butterflies.

The New York Times - Magazine

They simply may not be able to do so, and any efforts may lead to greater agitation or suffering.

The Washington Post

Only male mTBI or polytrauma mice showed greater agitation and increased risk taking behavior in open field testing as well as zero maze tests.

Stanford University

Greater agitation also leads to a more diffuse appearance of the mitochondria and a wider distribution of them throughout the cytoplasm.

Duke University

On a college campus in 2012, it's not likely; the greatest agitation that today's students seem to share is the difficulty of finding a job.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation involving both emotional distress and social unrest, use "great agitation" to convey the widespread and intense nature of the disturbance. For instance, "The political scandal caused "great agitation" among the citizens."

Common error

Avoid using "great agitation" when you simply mean enthusiasm or excitement. "Great agitation" implies a level of distress, anxiety, or disturbance, not just positive arousal. If you intend to convey excitement, use alternatives such as "great enthusiasm" or "high spirits".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great agitation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of intense disturbance or unrest, as supported by Ludwig's examples showing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

20%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "great agitation" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a state of intense emotional or social disturbance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While it is suitable for formal writing, it's important to distinguish it from simple excitement, as "agitation" carries a negative connotation. To enhance your writing, consider using related phrases like "intense unrest" or "significant turmoil" for variety and precision. Remember that mastering word choice contributes significantly to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense unrest

Focuses more on the societal or political aspect of the disturbance rather than individual emotional state.

extreme excitement

Emphasizes a heightened state of enthusiasm or eagerness, differing from the negative connotation of "agitation".

significant turmoil

Suggests a state of confusion or disorder, often involving a series of problematic events.

considerable upheaval

Implies a major disruption or radical change, highlighting the transformative aspect of the situation.

major disturbance

Indicates a significant disruption of peace or order, focusing on the disruptive effect.

profound anxiety

Highlights the deep-seated worry and unease associated with the situation, focusing on the psychological impact.

deep disquiet

Emphasizes a state of worry or unease, often of a subtle or underlying nature.

marked commotion

Focuses on the noisy activity and confusion, often involving a large number of people.

substantial unease

Underscores the feeling of discomfort or anxiety, emphasizing the unsettling nature of the situation.

heightened nervousness

Highlights the increased state of anxiety and apprehension, focusing on the emotional response.

FAQs

How can I use "great agitation" in a sentence?

You can use "great agitation" to describe a state of intense emotional disturbance or unrest. For example: "The news of the impending layoffs caused "great agitation" among the employees."

What are some alternatives to "great agitation"?

You can use alternatives like "intense unrest", "significant turmoil", or "profound anxiety" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "great agitation" in formal writing?

Yes, "great agitation" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and descriptive phrase that can effectively convey a state of intense emotional disturbance or unrest in professional, academic, or journalistic contexts.

What's the difference between "great agitation" and "great excitement"?

"Great agitation" implies a negative state of disturbance, anxiety, or unrest, while "great excitement" suggests a positive state of enthusiasm and eagerness. The key difference lies in the emotional tone: negative versus positive.