grew restless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grew restless" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of increasing impatience or agitation over time. Example: "As the meeting dragged on without resolution, the attendees began to grow restless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

But she grew restless.

The New Yorker

But Moon grew restless.

The New York Times - Magazine

The crowd grew restless.

The New Yorker

He soon grew restless.

The New Yorker

He grew restless.

The Guardian - Tech

She grew restless.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

But she had grown restless with her restlessness.

The Guardian - Film

Kids are growing restless.

The New Yorker

They grow restless.

The New Yorker

He was growing restless.

The Washington Post

His commanders are growing restless.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grew restless" to indicate a gradual increase in impatience or dissatisfaction, often due to prolonged waiting, boredom, or confinement. It effectively conveys a developing state of unease or agitation.

Common error

Don't use "grew restless" to describe a sudden urge to move or act; it implies a gradual build-up of unease. Use a phrase like "suddenly felt energetic" or "impulsively decided" to convey a spontaneous action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grew restless" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of becoming increasingly impatient or agitated. Ludwig examples show it describing a gradual shift in feeling due to boredom, confinement, or unmet expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grew restless" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a gradual increase in impatience or dissatisfaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is correct, and its frequency is very common, particularly in news and media contexts. When using "grew restless", it's important to convey a build-up of unease rather than a sudden reaction. Consider alternatives like "became agitated" or "became impatient" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Overall, the phrase is a reliable way to express a developing feeling of unease or dissatisfaction. Ludwig examples display a gradual shift of state over time with its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became impatient

Focuses on the increasing lack of patience.

became agitated

Emphasizes a state of increasing anxiety or unease.

became uneasy

Highlights a growing sense of discomfort or apprehension.

became discontented

Stresses a growing feeling of dissatisfaction.

became fidgety

Focuses on physical manifestations of restlessness.

became anxious

Highlights a growing feeling of worry or nervousness.

became bored

Emphasizes a growing lack of interest.

grew tired of waiting

Specifies the cause of the restlessness as waiting.

lost patience

Indicates the complete loss of patience.

started to chafe

Implies a growing feeling of being restricted or irritated.

FAQs

How can I use "grew restless" in a sentence?

You can use "grew restless" to describe a gradual increase in impatience or dissatisfaction. For example, "As the lecture dragged on, the students "grew restless"."

What's the difference between "grew restless" and "became impatient"?

"Grew restless" implies a gradual build-up of unease, while "became impatient" suggests a more immediate reaction. The first indicates a slow process, while the second might suggest an abrupt feeling.

Are there situations where "grew restless" might not be appropriate?

Yes, it's less suitable when describing a sudden, immediate reaction. In those cases, phrases like "suddenly became agitated" or "immediately lost patience" are more fitting.

What can I say instead of "grew restless"?

You can use alternatives like "became agitated", "became uneasy", or "became discontented" depending on the specific context.