he was indignant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was indignant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment. Example: "When he learned about the unfair decision, he was indignant and demanded an explanation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

He was indignant.

The New York Times

At times, he was indignant.

The New York Times

He was indignant about Farrell's controversial recall.

Independent

"He was indignant I would say that".

The New York Times - Sports

I know he was indignant for me.

The New Yorker

When I outlined the abortion debate, he was indignant.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

He always eats everything on his plate, and he is indignant at people who leave scraps.

The New Yorker

Harris has seen the mass of uncut footage, and he's indignant about the imposture.

The New Yorker

But at the chorus, he's indignant, singing with abandon, stubbornly insisting that holding on is an act of triumph.

The New York Times - Arts

He has an adenoidal tenor and a lisp, but when he is indignant he can be an impassioned orator.

The New Yorker

He is indignant: "It was said in court 'he had a huge erection', but this woman can't have been from this planet!

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he was indignant" to convey a sense of righteous anger or strong disapproval, particularly when someone feels unfairly treated or challenged. Ensure the context clearly explains the reason for the indignation to maximize the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "he was indignant" in overly casual or informal situations. While grammatically correct, it carries a certain weight and formality that might sound out of place in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler, more direct expressions of annoyance if the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was indignant" functions as a declarative statement, expressing a subject's emotional state. It predicates 'indignant' of 'he', indicating the subject experienced a feeling of anger or annoyance, particularly at perceived unfairness. As Ludwig confirms, this is a valid construction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Reference

1%

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he was indignant" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe someone feeling or expressing anger rooted in a sense of injustice. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While suitable for formal writing, it should be used judiciously in casual conversation. Consider alternatives like "he was outraged" or "he was incensed" depending on the desired nuance. Understanding its proper context and implications will allow you to use "he was indignant" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was incensed

Implies a higher degree of anger and outrage.

he was outraged

Similar to 'incensed' but can also imply a sense of moral shock.

he felt aggrieved

Focuses on the feeling of being wronged or unfairly treated.

he was affronted

Highlights the personal insult or offense taken.

he resented

Focuses on the feeling of bitterness and displeasure.

he took exception to

More formal way of expressing disagreement and annoyance.

he bristled at

Suggests a sudden display of irritation or defensiveness.

he seethed

Suggests a slow burning, internal anger.

he fumed

Implies suppressed but intense anger.

he was displeased

A more understated expression of dissatisfaction.

FAQs

How can I use "he was indignant" in a sentence?

Use "he was indignant" to describe someone experiencing or expressing strong displeasure and anger, often in response to perceived injustice or unfair treatment. For example: "He was indignant about the accusations leveled against him."

What are some alternatives to "he was indignant"?

You can use alternatives like "he was outraged", "he was incensed", or "he felt aggrieved" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "he was indignant" in formal writing?

Yes, "he was indignant" is perfectly appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and effective way to communicate a character's strong feelings of anger and disapproval in response to something they perceive as unjust or unfair.

What distinguishes "he was indignant" from "he was angry"?

"He was angry" is a general statement of emotion. "He was indignant" implies a specific kind of anger rooted in a sense of injustice or unfairness. Indignation suggests a moral component to the anger that is absent from the simple statement of being angry.