high-strung

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "high-strung" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe someone who is easily agitated, worried, or tense. For example, "This job search is making me so high-strung I can hardly think straight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

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

He was edgy, high-strung.

The New Yorker

Or, failing that, a high-strung dachshund.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person, use "high-strung" to convey a sense of being easily agitated and reactive, but be mindful of the context to avoid negative connotations. For example, you might say "She is a creative but "high-strung" individual" to give a sense of her personality.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "high-strung", especially when describing people, as it can perpetuate stereotypes and be perceived as insensitive. Use it judiciously and consider softer alternatives like "sensitive" or "easily flustered" depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "high-strung" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe a state of being nervous, anxious, or easily agitated, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples, such as "He was edgy, "high-strung"." Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage as an adjective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "high-strung" functions as an adjective used to describe someone easily agitated, nervous, or excitable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. While very common in News & Media, its use should be carefully considered in professional or formal settings to avoid potentially negative connotations. Alternatives such as "easily agitated", "on edge", or "nervous" might be more appropriate depending on the context. Remember to use "high-strung" judiciously to accurately and sensitively convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly strung

An alternative version of the query.

on edge

Implies a state of being tense and nervous, ready to react.

anxious and tense

Focuses on mental and physical tension due to worry.

easily agitated

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

uptight and anxious

Combines tension and worry, emphasizing both physical and mental states.

highly excitable

Highlights the tendency to become easily stimulated or enthusiastic.

nervous and jittery

Stresses the physical manifestations of anxiety.

restless

Indicates an inability to stay still or be at ease.

overwrought

Suggests a state of extreme emotional distress or agitation.

on tenterhooks

Implies being in suspense or a state of nervous anticipation.

FAQs

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

You can use "high-strung" to describe someone who is easily agitated or nervous. For example, "The pressure of the deadline made him incredibly "high-strung"." Or, "She's a brilliant performer, but also quite "high-strung".

What are some alternatives to saying someone is "high-strung"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "easily agitated", "on edge", or "nervous".

Is it appropriate to describe someone as "high-strung" in professional settings?

While technically correct, describing someone as "high-strung" in a professional setting can be perceived negatively. It's often better to use more neutral terms like "dedicated" or "passionate", depending on the context.

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

"High-strung" often implies a reactive, easily agitated state, while "anxious" refers more broadly to a state of worry or unease. Someone "high-strung" might react impulsively, whereas someone anxious might be more withdrawn or fearful.