in anger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'in anger' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing the emotion that someone is feeling in a particular situation. For example: "He slammed the door in anger."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The audience roared in anger.

The New Yorker

In anger.

The Guardian - Sport

There's real power in anger".

Independent

The day began in anger.

The New York Times

Players shouted in anger.

The New York Times

He died in anger.

The Washington Post

Don't write in anger.

Harvard Business Review

Well possibly in anger.

The Guardian

In anger, they're not.

The New York Times - Health

Murray screamed in anger at his mistake.

The New York Times

"More in sorrow than in anger".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in anger" to clearly and concisely describe actions or words motivated by strong feelings of anger. It provides a direct link between the emotion and the subsequent behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "in anger" as a justification for passive-aggressive behavior. While it explains the motivation, it doesn't excuse actions that are intentionally indirect or manipulative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in anger" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound, describing an action motivated by a strong feeling. Examples show it modifying verbs like 'shouted', 'spoke', and 'acted'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

19%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in anger" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to describe actions driven by strong feelings of anger. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, use "in anger" to clearly link an emotion to a behavior, providing context and depth. Avoid using it as a justification for harmful actions; instead, focus on conveying the emotional state while acknowledging responsibility. Alternatives like "furiously" or "in a fit of rage" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a fit of rage

Highlights a sudden, uncontrollable burst of anger.

enraged

Describes a state of being filled with intense anger.

furiously

Focuses on the intensity of the action driven by anger. It's an adverb, modifying a verb to show how something is done.

irately

Focuses on the expression of anger, often through words.

outraged

Similar to indignantly, but often used when the anger is publicly expressed.

wrathfully

Emphasizes a more intense and often righteous anger.

with animosity

Highlights a strong feeling of dislike or hostility, which can stem from anger.

indignantly

Conveys anger mixed with a sense of injustice or offense.

bitterly

Emphasizes the resentful and unhappy feelings associated with anger.

in a huff

Indicates a state of annoyance or petulance, often less intense than pure anger.

FAQs

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

You can use "in anger" to describe actions or words fueled by anger. For example: "He slammed the door "in anger"" or "She spoke "in anger" after the unfair decision."

What are some alternatives to saying "in anger"?

Alternatives include "furiously", "in a fit of rage", or "wrathfully", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to admit to acting "in anger"?

Admitting to acting "in anger" can show self-awareness, but it's important to also take responsibility for the consequences of those actions. It explains the motivation but doesn't excuse harmful behavior.

What's the difference between ""in anger"" and "angry"?

"In anger" describes the manner in which something is done, while "angry" describes the state of being. For example, "He spoke "in anger"" (manner) versus "He was angry" (state).