is keyed up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is keyed up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is anxious, excited, or nervous about something. Example: "Before the big presentation, she was really keyed up, pacing back and forth in the waiting area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He is keyed up, searingly focused.

The Guardian - Sport

Like Angel, Oswaldo is keyed up, lonely, and bewildered, it seems, by all that has gone wrong, not only in his world but in the world at large.

The New Yorker

Steven is keyed up.

The New York Times

At Tillie's grade school the principal, Mr. Keene, is keyed up about how much the children are learning and decides the more school the better.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Having reinvented the string quartet over years of bold musical adventures, Kronos is keying up the next generation of musical innovators with Fifty for the Future, an ambitious program that commissions new music from a diverse group of international composers.

University of California, Berkeley

Serra was keyed up, buoyant.

The New Yorker

He was keyed up, of course, but he talked in a refined way.

The New Yorker

"The players were keyed up, the spectators agog over the drama that might unfold before the final curtain".

The Guardian - Sport

And remember that it can be good to be keyed up: the right amount of nervousness will enhance your performance.

Harvard Business Review

The game at Stamford Bridge, however, was no ordinary one and Dembélé, like many of the players, was keyed up to the point of combustion.

The Guardian - Sport

Driven by his supercharged ambition, they are keyed up and tenacious, surrounded by what he called, later, a "Goliath's armor of brazen metric".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context. While generally acceptable, "is keyed up" might be replaced with a more formal term like "anxious" or "prepared" in professional settings.

Common error

Avoid using "is keyed up" when the context requires a stronger expression of fear or panic. It's more suited to describe anticipation rather than extreme distress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is keyed up" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, describing the subject's state of being. It indicates a state of heightened emotional or mental readiness, often combining excitement and anxiety. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is keyed up" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that conveys a state of heightened anticipation, often a mix of excitement and nervousness. As per Ludwig AI, it is perfectly acceptable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, as well as in academic settings, and its formality is generally considered neutral. While there are more formal alternatives like "is anxious" or "is prepared", "is keyed up" effectively captures the feeling of being energized and ready for what's to come.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is on edge

Stresses a state of heightened tension and alertness.

is anxious

Focuses on the anxiety aspect, omitting excitement or preparedness.

is nervous

Emphasizes nervousness, potentially missing the anticipation.

is excited

Highlights the excitement, disregarding the nervous tension.

is pumped up

Indicates high energy and enthusiasm, often before an event.

is revved up

Emphasizes energetic anticipation and readiness.

is agitated

Implies a higher level of restlessness and unease.

is worked up

Suggests emotional arousal and potential distress.

is geared up

Focuses on preparation and readiness for an upcoming task.

is stimulated

Implies mental or emotional arousal, sometimes in a positive way.

FAQs

What does "is keyed up" mean?

The phrase "is keyed up" generally means to be excited, nervous, or anxious about something that is about to happen. It suggests a state of heightened anticipation and energy.

How can I use "is keyed up" in a sentence?

You can use "is keyed up" to describe someone's emotional state before an event. For example, "Before the performance, the musicians "were keyed up" and ready to play their best."

What can I say instead of "is keyed up"?

You can use alternatives like "is anxious", "is excited", or "is on edge" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "is keyed up" formal or informal?

"Is keyed up" is generally considered to be informal or neutral. In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "is anxious" or "is prepared".