he is restless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is restless" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is unable to relax or stay still, often due to anxiety or impatience. Example: "During the long meeting, he is restless, frequently shifting in his seat and checking his watch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

He is restless and fidgety.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He is restless, and ill at ease in his adopted country.

The New Yorker

He is restless when seated, reaching for tabletop bric-a-brac to model a scene in 3-D.

The New Yorker

Owen Hatherley is not entirely civil; he is restless and willingly fractured, intellectually and emotionally, he is a fulminating critic-cum-flâneur.

Independent

Some observers believe he is restless in his weekly routine living in a Mayfair hotel before jetting home for the weekend.

Independent

But when Mr. Gore talks of his faith he is not so much reticent -- though he is that, too, sometimes -- as he is restless, unfinished.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

But he was restless.

The New York Times

He was restless.

The New Yorker

Still, he was restless.

The Guardian - Music

But he was restless, he remembers.

The New Yorker

On his return, he was restless.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "he is restless", provide context about the cause of their restlessness to add depth and understanding to your writing. For instance, "he is restless, awaiting news of the job offer".

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "he is restless" to describe similar situations. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "he is agitated", "he is uneasy", or "he is fidgety" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is restless" primarily functions as a descriptive statement, attributing a state of being to a subject. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and commonly used to depict someone's inability to relax or stay still, often due to anxiety or impatience. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing both physical and mental unease.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

6%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he is restless" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to describe someone experiencing unease, impatience, or an inability to stay still. According to Ludwig, it's often used in News & Media. While versatile, it's best employed with contextual details to enrich the description. Varying your language with synonyms like "he is agitated" or "he is uneasy" can also enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is agitated

This alternative highlights the feeling of being troubled or nervous.

he is uneasy

Focuses on the feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

he is fidgety

This emphasizes physical restlessness and an inability to stay still.

he is on edge

Suggests a state of heightened tension and alertness.

he is unsettled

Indicates a lack of peace or stability.

he is impatient

Highlights a lack of tolerance for delays or obstacles.

he is antsy

Informal way to describe being restless or fidgety.

he is driven

Indicates that a person has a strong need to be active and accomplish things.

he is never still

Focuses on the constant movement and lack of stillness.

he is always on the go

Highlights the continuous activity and movement in someone's life.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "he is restless"?

When someone says "he is restless", it typically means the person is unable to relax or stay still, often because they are bored, anxious, or impatient. It suggests a state of unease and a desire for activity or change.

What can I say instead of "he is restless"?

You can use alternatives like "he is agitated", "he is uneasy", or "he is fidgety" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe someone as "he is restless" in formal writing?

Yes, "he is restless" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, though the context should guide your choice of vocabulary. In very formal contexts, you might consider alternatives like "he is unsettled" for a more subdued tone.

How does "he is restless" differ from "he is bored"?

While both phrases can describe a state of dissatisfaction, "he is restless" implies a more active form of unease and a desire to move or change the situation, while "he is bored" suggests a more passive state of disinterest and lack of stimulation.