obviously agitated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obviously agitated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is clearly upset or disturbed, making it suitable in contexts where emotional states are being discussed. Example: "She was obviously agitated during the meeting, fidgeting in her seat and avoiding eye contact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

That afternoon, the governor was obviously agitated as he answered questions about specifics concerning his cottage.

The New York Times

No injuries have been shown on camera during "Kid Nation," although there were some tense moments during the third episode when one child led a group that was harassing some obviously agitated cattle.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

This would obviously agitate the carriers, and isn't going to happen any time soon.

TechCrunch

"The public is obviously very agitated over the revaluation".

The New York Times

Similarly, the explosive exhalations of laughter seem designed to "puff away" surplus tension in a kind of respiratory gymnastics, and agitated gestures obviously serve the same function.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was, obviously, a reflection of how agitated the funding had made me that I'd sat on the stoop.

The New Yorker

The beginning of the work, in particular, is awash in chorales, fugues, agitated crowd scenes and narratives obviously modeled on Bach.

The New York Times - Arts

"You're agitated".

The New Yorker

They agitated.

The New York Times

They looked agitated.

The New York Times - Travel

He became more agitated.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "obviously agitated", provide specific details or examples of their behavior to support your observation. This adds credibility to your description and helps the reader understand the extent of their agitation.

Common error

Avoid using "obviously agitated" when the context already implies a high level of distress. Redundancy can weaken your writing. Instead, focus on the unique aspects of their reaction.

Linguistic Context

Obviously functions as an adverb modifying the adjective agitated, emphasizing the readily apparent nature of the agitation. Ludwig indicates the expression describes a visible state of emotional or mental disturbance. This suggests a clear and easily perceived condition.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obviously agitated" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a readily apparent state of disturbance or unease. While not extremely common, as indicated by Ludwig, it is suitable for neutral contexts like news and descriptive writing. Ludwig AI highlights that it's often used when someone's agitation is visible and needs acknowledgment. Alternatives like "clearly disturbed" or "visibly upset" can offer similar meanings with slight differences in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clearly disturbed

Emphasizes the visible disruption of the person's composure, shifting the focus from agitation to a more general state of unease.

visibly upset

Highlights the outward signs of emotional distress, using a more common and easily understood term.

plainly anxious

Focuses specifically on the anxiety component of the agitation, suggesting a state of worry or nervousness.

noticeably perturbed

Indicates a state of being bothered or unsettled, adding a layer of subtlety compared to simple agitation.

evidently flustered

Implies a state of confusion or discomposure, suggesting a loss of composure due to the agitation.

markedly restless

Highlights the physical manifestation of agitation through an inability to stay still or be at ease.

ostensibly uneasy

Suggests that the unease is apparent to observers, though perhaps not explicitly stated.

unmistakably nervous

Underscores the clarity and certainty of the person's nervousness, leaving little room for doubt.

patently stressed

Directly points out the visible signs of stress, which contribute to the overall state of agitation.

conspicuously edgy

Indicates that the person's agitation manifests as a sense of being on edge or easily provoked.

FAQs

How can I use "obviously agitated" in a sentence?

You can use "obviously agitated" to describe someone's visible state of distress or unease. For example: "She was "obviously agitated" during the meeting, pacing and avoiding eye contact."

What are some alternatives to saying "obviously agitated"?

Alternatives include "clearly disturbed", "visibly upset", or "plainly anxious", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "obviously agitated" or "clearly agitated"?

Both "obviously agitated" and "clearly agitated" are acceptable. The choice depends on personal preference, although "clearly agitated" might be slightly more common in contemporary usage.

What's the difference between "agitated" and "obviously agitated"?

"Agitated" describes a state of being disturbed or restless. "Obviously agitated" emphasizes that this state is readily apparent to observers. The addition of "obviously" underscores the visibility of the agitation.