high strung

USAGE SUMMARY

'high strung' is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe a person who is tense, nervous, and easily agitated. For example: She was so high strung that she was on the verge of tears.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Too high strung.

The New York Times

I'm physically very energetic and high strung.

The New York Times

"Arabians are notoriously high strung," Ms. Stull said.

The New York Times

Is the last best hope of earth that high strung?

The New Yorker

And since when did "high strung" become a synonym for "playground bully"?

The New York Times

I know I'm high strung, but who wouldn't freak out after seeing these?

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

On other shows, Kristina's high-strung personality might be satirized, portrayed as shrill.

The New Yorker

She was emotional, high-strung.

The New York Times

My roommate is a high-strung moron.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I'm a bit more high-strung.

The New York Times

"Spags is real high-strung.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "high strung", consider adding context to explain the cause of their tension. For example, "She's been particularly "high strung" lately due to the upcoming deadline".

Common error

While "high strung" is a valid descriptor, overuse can make your writing seem simplistic. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "easily agitated", "anxious", or "on edge" to provide a more nuanced portrayal of a character's state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "high strung" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun (usually a person or animal) to indicate a state of being tense, nervous, or easily agitated. As Ludwig AI notes, it describes a condition of heightened emotional or nervous state. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing both people and animals.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "high strung" is a commonly used and generally accepted adjective phrase used to describe someone or something as tense, nervous, or easily agitated. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While versatile, it's crucial to consider context and choose appropriate alternatives like "easily agitated" or "on edge" for nuanced descriptions. As evidenced by examples on Ludwig, the phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts. Remember to use "high strung" judiciously and be mindful of potential negative connotations. By considering context, audience, and desired tone, you can effectively use this phrase or its alternatives to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

easily agitated

Focuses on the ease with which someone becomes disturbed or upset.

highly excitable

Emphasizes a propensity for becoming easily and intensely excited.

on edge

Suggests a state of being nervous and tense, anticipating something might happen.

jumpy

Describes someone who is easily startled or nervous.

anxious

Highlights a state of worry and unease about potential events or outcomes.

restless

Indicates an inability to relax or stay still due to nervousness or boredom.

uptight

Suggests a rigid and tense demeanor, often due to suppressing emotions.

jittery

Implies nervousness accompanied by trembling or twitching.

frazzled

Describes someone feeling overwhelmed and stressed.

hyper

Implies excessive energy and excitement, sometimes to the point of being uncontrollable.

FAQs

How can I use "high strung" in a sentence?

You can use "high strung" to describe a person or animal that is tense, nervous, or easily agitated. For example: "She was too "high strung" to relax before the performance."

What's the difference between "high strung" and "anxious"?

"High strung" often implies a general state of tension or excitability, while "anxious" suggests a specific worry or fear about something. Someone "easily agitated" may be generally "high strung", but anxiety is usually triggered by a particular situation.

Are there negative connotations with calling someone "high strung"?

Yes, the term "high strung" can carry negative connotations, implying that someone is overly nervous or difficult to manage. It's often more tactful to use alternative descriptors like "sensitive" or "easily agitated" depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "high strung" to describe a horse?

For horses, you could use terms like "skittish", "nervous", or "excitable" to describe a similar temperament. These terms are commonly used and understood in equestrian contexts.