she was indignant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she was indignant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment. Example: "When she learned about the unfair decision, she was indignant and demanded an explanation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

She was indignant.

The Guardian - Opinion

At the time, she was indignant.

The New Yorker

Still, however glad she was to see the Nobel go to Modiano, Savigneau wrote that she was "indignant, as ever, to see them forget Roth".

The New Yorker

When Kate held forth about the degradation of the oceans she was indignant, as if it were everyone's fault but hers; Boyd was more measured and realistic.

The New Yorker

When we took her off the job, she was indignant, and swore up and down the company was lying.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Even so, she's indignant over her predicament.

The New York Times - Magazine

Bride sets out to find Booker, not necessarily out of love but because she is indignant at Booker leaving her.

The Guardian - Books

When I raise the subject of exploitation with Cox, she is indignant and forceful: "Don't portray me as a victim.

Independent

Anderson smiled, and said, "I told you: I know what I'm doing!" She is indignant about a flap that arose when she was quoted discussing women who "let their bodies go" during pregnancy.

The New Yorker

To own a face you can show to the world without fear, to have a little confidence in your own existence!" And she is indignant again when I talk about the actor in her film.

The Guardian - Film

I'm just waiting for the first blue plastic bag to get attached to it…" Are these big public commissions – the Judenplatz Holocaust Memorial; Plinth, which stood on the empty plinth in Trafalgar Square – intimidating, or is she used to this way of working by now? "I'm certainly not used to it!" She's indignant at the thought.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, follow it with a 'that' clause or prepositional phrase to clarify the reason for the indignation, providing context and enhancing reader understanding.

Common error

Don't use "she was indignant" to describe simple annoyance or frustration. "Indignant" implies a moral outrage, not just a minor irritation. Use words like "annoyed", "irritated", or "displeased" instead if the situation doesn't involve a clear injustice or unfairness.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "she was indignant" is to serve as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the subject's emotional state. Ludwig AI examples show it characterizing reactions to perceived unfairness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "she was indignant" effectively conveys a sense of moral outrage or strong annoyance at perceived unfairness. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and primarily used in news and media contexts. While not as common as simpler expressions of anger, "she was indignant" adds a layer of depth by suggesting a reaction to injustice, as evidenced by various examples. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the context of moral outrage, distinguishing it from mere annoyance. Choosing semantically similar phrases like "she felt aggrieved" or "she expressed outrage" can refine your expression based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she felt aggrieved

Focuses on the feeling of being wronged, which is a component of indignation.

she took exception

Highlights the act of objecting strongly to something, implying a sense of indignation.

she was resentful

Emphasizes the bitterness and anger felt due to a perceived injustice.

she bristled at that

Uses a vivid verb to show a sudden display of indignation.

she fumed about that

Focuses on the internal turmoil and suppressed anger.

she was in high dudgeon

Uses an old-fashioned term to describe a state of offended anger.

she was affronted

Emphasizes the feeling of being personally insulted or disrespected.

she expressed outrage

Highlights the public display of anger and disapproval.

she scorned the idea

Indicates strong disapproval and contempt for an idea or suggestion.

she was incensed

Indicates a state of great anger and outrage.

FAQs

What does "she was indignant" mean?

The phrase "she was indignant" describes a state of feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment.

How can I use "she was indignant" in a sentence?

You can use "she was indignant" to describe a character's reaction to injustice, for example: "When she learned about the unfair decision, she was indignant and demanded an explanation."

What are some alternatives to "she was indignant"?

You can use alternatives like "she felt aggrieved", "she took exception", or "she expressed outrage" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "she is indignant" or should I always use "she was indignant"?

Both are grammatically correct; "she is indignant" describes her current state, while "she was indignant" refers to a past event or feeling. The choice depends on the context you are describing.