in agitation

USAGE SUMMARY

"in agitation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a person who is emotionally worked up or disturbed about something. For example, "The crowd was in agitation as they waited for the results of the election."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Drop breakup in agitated vessels is one of the most important processes taking place in agitation of immiscible liquids.

Chemical Engineering Science

He's wrong!' the women chorus in agitation.

The Guardian - Film

People ran in agitation or staggered as if drunk.

The New York Times

The plaintiff had to choose at once, in agitation and with imperfect knowledge.

Harvard University

"Will you please move your car!" I exclaimed, quivering in agitation.

The New York Times

It included almost everything you could think of that had been in agitation for years.

Cornell University

He moved towards us, stumbling into a run and waving his hand in agitation.

The Guardian - Books

He is looking at his watch in agitation and gripping a wrench tightly.

The Guardian - Travel

There are times in his sleep when it overpowers him and wakes him in agitation.

The New York Times

Slides were then treated with PBST (pH 7.3) + H2O2 in agitation.

Nature

"This isn't a joke," he said, pacing his apartment in agitation as he spoke.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about scientific processes, 'in agitation' can accurately describe the state of a substance being actively mixed or stirred.

Common error

Avoid using "in agitation" solely to describe physical movement when the intended meaning is emotional or mental distress. While it can apply to both, ensure your phrasing doesn't create ambiguity. If the intent is physical mixing, consider alternatives like "under stirring" or "being shaken".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in agitation" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing this usage, illustrating how actions like pacing, speaking, or moving can be carried out while "in agitation".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in agitation" is a versatile phrase used to describe a state of emotional or physical disturbance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using "in agitation", consider the nuances of its meaning and choose the context where it accurately conveys unrest or anxiety. Be mindful of potential ambiguity, especially in scientific contexts, where it may refer to physical mixing. Alternatives such as "in distress" or "in turmoil" can provide subtle differences in meaning. Pay close attention to these details and you will enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in distress

Focuses more on the suffering or pain experienced.

in turmoil

Emphasizes internal confusion and disorder.

in an uproar

Highlights a state of public excitement or disturbance.

in a frenzy

Implies wild and uncontrolled excitement or activity.

in a state of unrest

Describes a condition of being disturbed or uneasy.

in commotion

Indicates noisy confusion or disturbance.

in a fluster

Suggests nervous confusion.

in a stew

Implies a state of anxiety or worry.

in a dither

Describes a state of nervous excitement or confusion.

in perturbation

Emphasizes a state of being disturbed or unsettled, often used in more formal contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "in agitation" in a sentence?

You can use "in agitation" to describe someone who is visibly disturbed or emotionally stirred up. For example, "He paced the room "in agitation", awaiting the phone call."

What are some alternatives to saying "in agitation"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "in distress", "in turmoil", or "in an uproar" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to use "in agitation" to describe an object or only a person?

While "in agitation" is often used to describe a person's emotional state, it can also describe the physical state of something being stirred or mixed, especially in scientific or technical contexts.

What's the difference between "in agitation" and "in anticipation"?

"In agitation" describes a state of anxiety or disturbance, while "in anticipation" refers to a state of excitement or expectation about something that is going to happen.