mildly exasperated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mildly exasperated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of slight annoyance or frustration in a situation. Example: "After waiting for an hour, I was mildly exasperated by the lack of communication from the staff."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Minnesotans seem mildly exasperated by the situation rather than enraged.

The Economist

Rylance, a man who offstage radiates an almost spectral equanimity, was mildly exasperated.

The New Yorker

At one point, a mildly exasperated Griffin responded to his questioners: "I'm just a humble former soldier, not a lawyer".

The Guardian

Most of it glides by without making any emotional or comic impression, although I became mildly exasperated at the willful obscurity.

The New York Times

And while Garcia seemed mildly exasperated by at least one question today, he also said he enjoys a tournament more when Woods is in the field.

The New York Times - Sports

Leafing through my copy of the biography, I am struck anew by its quality of mildly exasperated tenderness toward its subject.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

And am I exasperated?

The New York Times

Sondos looked exasperated.

The New York Times

He seemed exasperated.

The New York Times

Mr. Carbone was exasperated.

The New York Times

He gets exasperated.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mildly exasperated" to convey a sense of controlled frustration rather than intense anger or annoyance. It is suitable when describing a situation that is irritating but not severely upsetting.

Common error

Avoid using "mildly exasperated" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "slightly irritated" or "a little annoyed" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mildly exasperated" functions as an adjectival phrase. "Mildly" modifies the adjective "exasperated", indicating the degree or intensity of the exasperation. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing a state of being or feeling.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "mildly exasperated" effectively conveys a moderate level of annoyance or frustration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English, particularly in news and media contexts. While not overly common, it offers a nuanced way to describe a state of being without resorting to stronger, more emotionally charged language. When using this phrase, consider synonyms like "slightly irritated" to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly irritated

This alternative uses a more common synonym for "exasperated", focusing on the feeling of irritation rather than a more intense frustration.

a little annoyed

This phrase is a simpler and more direct way of expressing a low level of annoyance, similar in intensity to "mildly exasperated".

somewhat frustrated

This option emphasizes the feeling of being blocked or hindered, which can be a component of exasperation.

a bit put out

This idiom suggests a feeling of being inconvenienced or slightly offended, which aligns with a mild level of exasperation.

gently frustrated

This alternative replaces "exasperated" with "frustrated", while maintaining the mild intensity through the adverb "gently".

marginally irritated

The adverb "marginally" specifies that the degree of irritation is very small.

faintly annoyed

This option uses "faintly" to convey a subtle or weak feeling of annoyance.

slightly impatient

This alternative focuses on the feeling of restlessness and wanting something to happen sooner, which can be related to mild exasperation.

a touch frustrated

This phrase suggests a very small degree of frustration.

not entirely pleased

This more formal alternative conveys a similar sentiment of slight dissatisfaction or annoyance.

FAQs

How can I use "mildly exasperated" in a sentence?

"Mildly exasperated" is used to describe someone experiencing a slight degree of frustration or annoyance. For example: "The customer service representative seemed mildly exasperated by the repetitive questions."

What are some synonyms for "mildly exasperated"?

Alternatives to "mildly exasperated" include "slightly irritated", "a little annoyed", or "somewhat frustrated". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "mildly exasperated" in formal writing?

Yes, "mildly exasperated" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you need to convey a nuanced level of frustration without being overly emotional. However, consider alternatives like "not entirely pleased" for a more formal tone.

What is the difference between "mildly exasperated" and "exasperated"?

"Mildly exasperated" indicates a low level of frustration, while "exasperated" suggests a more intense and pronounced feeling of annoyance and impatience.