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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
irritable state
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "irritable state" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a condition or mood characterized by irritability or agitation. Example: "After a long day at work, I found myself in an irritable state, snapping at everyone around me."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(5)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
One concerns London's roads and the irritable state they're in.
News & Media
The irritable state was more defined as a temporary state of anger.
Science
In our study, the participants' irritable state seemed to be interfering with their family relationships and some of the participants expressed their feelings about the need for support and understanding from those around them.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
In the STEP-BD study, approximately 15% of bipolar patients receiving long-term treatment with antidepressants developed a chronic irritable dysphoric state (ACID syndrome).
Science
The great achievement of Mr. Watt's set, performed with half-second pauses between songs, was putting heart and heroism into music that in its original state sounds irritable, fragile or paranoid.
News & Media
They had all spent a number of days and nights in the air raid shelter, which was positioned in the garden of the 'Home.' The children were fractious, irritable and in a state of distress when the 'All Clear' was sounded and the nurses escorted the children outside into the warm afternoon sunshine.
News & Media
OIDP attempts to quantify relative frequency of impacts of oral problems on 8 daily tasks, namely: eating and enjoying food, speaking and pronouncing clearly, cleaning teeth, sleeping and relaxing, smiling, laughing and showing teeth without embarrassment, maintaining usual emotional state without being irritable, carrying out major work or social role, and, enjoying contact with other people.
Conversely, perturbations in these symbiotic communities can have a negative effect on the host's health, termed dysbiosis [ 14], which can lead to a variety of human disease states, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) [ 15– 19], autoimmune disorders [ 20, 21], increased vulnerability to cancers [ 22, 23], and obesity [ 24– 27].
Science
Subgroups would be based upon levels of comorbid centrally-mediated symptomatology, such as fatigue, sleep disturbance, mood, as well as other symptoms, which we refer to as illness burden, known to occur in other centrally-mediated pain states (for example, irritable bowel syndrome, temporomandibular joint disorder, interstitial cystitis, and so on) [ 32].
In addition, this group also had the highest illness burden (that is, the number of somatic symptoms endorsed which are common in other centrally-mediated pain states, such as irritable bowel syndrome, temporomandibular joint disorder, and interstitial cystitis), further supporting that a potential CNS contribution to symptoms.
In such a state you will feel irritable.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing a temporary emotional condition, use "irritable state" to clearly convey a passing phase of heightened sensitivity or annoyance. For instance, "After the disruption, the team was in an irritable state."
Common error
While "irritable state" is acceptable, consider more nuanced alternatives like "agitated condition" or "uneasy mood" in formal contexts to enhance precision and sophistication. Overusing "irritable state" can make your writing sound repetitive.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "irritable state" functions as a descriptive term, typically acting as a subject complement or within an adjectival phrase to describe a condition or situation. As demonstrated in Ludwig's examples, it helps to characterize a specific emotional or physical condition.
Frequent in
Science
60%
News & Media
40%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "irritable state" is a grammatically correct and understandable term used to describe a condition of heightened sensitivity or annoyance. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is most frequently found in scientific and news contexts. While acceptable, varying your word choice with alternatives like "agitated condition" or "uneasy mood" can add nuance to your writing. Keep in mind that this phrase is less about permanent personality traits and more about a temporary emotional condition.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
state of irritability
Reorders the words while retaining the core meaning; focuses on the noun form of "irritable".
irritable mood
Substitutes "state" with "mood", focusing on the emotional aspect.
agitated condition
Replaces "irritable" with "agitated", emphasizing restlessness and unease.
testy disposition
Uses "testy" for "irritable" and "disposition" for "state", indicating a tendency to be easily annoyed.
touchy condition
Employs "touchy" as a synonym for "irritable", suggesting sensitivity and quickness to take offense.
grouchy mood
Replaces "irritable" with "grouchy", implying a sullen and bad-tempered state.
cranky condition
Uses "cranky" to describe a state of being bad-tempered and irritable.
grumpy disposition
Replaces "irritable" with "grumpy", indicating a state of being sulky and dissatisfied.
snappish mood
Suggests a tendency to respond sharply or irritably.
irascible temper
Replaces "state" with "temper", focusing on a tendency to become easily angered.
FAQs
What does "irritable state" mean?
The phrase "irritable state" describes a temporary condition or mood characterized by heightened sensitivity, annoyance, or agitation. It suggests a person is easily provoked or angered.
How can I use "irritable state" in a sentence?
You might say, "Due to lack of sleep, she was in an /s/irritable+state" or "The constant noise put him in an /s/irritable+state.
Are there synonyms for "irritable state"?
Yes, you can use phrases like "state of irritability", "agitated condition", or "irritable mood" as alternatives to /s/irritable+state.
Is "irritable state" formal or informal?
The phrase "irritable state" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "agitated condition" or "uneasy mood" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested