restless mood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "restless mood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of agitation or unease, often reflecting a feeling of being unable to relax or settle down. Example: "After a long day at work, I found myself in a restless mood, unable to focus on anything."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

But Ms. Moss was in a restless mood.

The New York Times - Style

The French may be in a glum, restless mood, as the British were in the 1970s.

The Economist

Now it was early evening, dark, the streets in a restless mood.

The New Yorker

For the last few years this honky-tonk hero has been in a restless mood.

The New York Times - Arts

Beginning in 1847, the leaders of the opposition set out to take advantage of this restless mood and to force the regime to grant liberal reforms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet given the sullen, restless mood in Tehran, it is unsure whether such tactics will prevent an embarrassing public-relations flop.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

In these performances, however, led by the iconoclastic violinist Thomas Zehetmair, extreme contrasts of tempo and tone color bring maximum intensity to the composer's restless moods.

The New Yorker

Yet, in today's restless popular mood, he seems to calculate that he cannot push the trade unions too far.The same may hold for pension reform, which Mr Sarkozy has vowed to pursue after the regional elections.

The Economist

These absurd doings may not strike you as natural Pulitzer Prize material, but the biting humor must have struck the judges as a nice tonic for the restless national mood — as indeed it is today, when politics and showbiz are ever more noxiously intertwined.

The New York Times

Psychotherapy techniques in which people learn to expect and tolerate restless or low moods are also on the list.

The New York Times - Health

And of course Pee-wee's restless imagination and childish mood swings are as extravagant as ever.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "restless mood" to describe a temporary state of unease or inability to relax, often indicating underlying anxiety or anticipation. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "restless mood" to describe long-term personality traits. It's best used for temporary states. For chronic restlessness, consider terms like 'restless temperament' or 'restless disposition'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "restless mood" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'restless' modifies 'mood'. It describes a specific state of mind or emotional condition, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

10%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "restless mood" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, signifying a state of unease or agitation. While Ludwig indicates that the phrase is not very common, it effectively conveys a specific emotional state and is appropriate for various contexts, particularly news and media. When using "restless mood", it's important to consider its temporary nature and avoid using it to describe long-term personality traits. As for the specific context, it can be replaced by alternatives like "uneasy feeling" or "agitated state" depending on nuance. Overall, "restless mood" is a valuable phrase for expressing a particular kind of emotional discomfort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disquieted mood

A more formal way of expressing a similar sentiment of unease and mild agitation.

uneasy feeling

Focuses more on the physical or emotional discomfort rather than the emotional state.

unsettled feeling

Suggests a lack of peace or comfort, but may not necessarily include restlessness.

restless disposition

Implies a habitual tendency to be restless, more of a personality trait.

uneasy frame of mind

Focuses on the mental aspect, suggesting a feeling of apprehension or concern.

agitated state

Implies a higher level of disturbance and potential outward expression of that disturbance.

on edge

A more informal way of saying someone is nervous and irritable.

perturbed state of mind

Indicates a mental disturbance that is more significant than a simple mood.

anxious disposition

Highlights a pre-existing tendency towards anxiety, rather than a temporary mood.

fidgety temperament

Emphasizes the physical restlessness associated with the mood, but is less descriptive of the overall emotional state.

FAQs

How can I describe a "restless mood"?

You can describe a "restless mood" as a state of unease, agitation, or inability to relax. It often suggests a desire for change or movement.

What are some synonyms for "restless mood"?

Alternatives include "uneasy feeling", "agitated state", or "disquieted mood", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "restless mood"?

It's appropriate when describing a temporary state of feeling agitated, anxious, or unable to settle down, but not for describing long-term personality traits. For the latter, consider '"restless temperament"'.

What does it mean to be in a "restless mood"?

Being in a "restless mood" signifies a state where one feels uneasy, agitated, and has difficulty relaxing or staying still. It's often driven by underlying stress or anticipation.