show irritation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "show irritation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone's emotional response or reaction to a situation that causes annoyance or displeasure. Example: "She tried to remain calm during the meeting, but it was clear that she was starting to show irritation at the constant interruptions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He is a thin and jumpy man, quick to show irritation.

The New Yorker

However, alumina NPs significantly promote the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of MG63 cells at low concentration and do not show irritation to macrophages.

Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Unlike his predecessor, William Rehnquist, Roberts rarely shows irritation or frustration on the bench.

The New Yorker

Far from showing irritation at the constant interruptions, Mum seemed to welcome them.

The Guardian - Sport

He mumbled to himself, gestured and showed irritation when his shots did not get the desired results.

The New York Times - Sports

Some consumers showed irritation with pork prices on two recent afternoons at a busy street market in metropolitan Guangzhou, an area of perhaps 12 million in southeast China.

The New York Times

But Leveson often showed irritation with the media, complaining that journalists misunderstood his occasional musings from the chair as indications of his thinking.

The Guardian

He mocks Maura, he shows irritation, then anger, then visible pain that his world has changed, and he apologizes for lashing out.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

After some tense negotiations when Mr. Cui was reported to have shown irritation at the American defense of Mr. Chen, the Chinese government agreed that he could leave.

The New York Times

Mr. Matsumoto, who assumed the post just last week, angered local governors by confessing his ignorance of local geography, and then showing irritation when one local governor made him wait in a reception room.

The New York Times

The Chinese government has shown irritation with Mr. Kim, who is regarded as a far less reliable ally than his father, Kim Jong-il, particularly after he defied Beijing to order a nuclear test in February and the launching of a three-stage rocket in December.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's reaction in writing, use "show irritation" to convey a subtle display of annoyance rather than overt anger.

Common error

While "show irritation" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal contexts. Alternatives like "express discontent" or "register displeasure" may lend a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show irritation" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "show" acts as the verb indicating the action of displaying, and "irritation" serves as the noun, representing the emotion being displayed. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "show irritation" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the outward manifestation of annoyance or displeasure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news media and general writing. While synonyms like "display annoyance" or "exhibit frustration" offer subtle variations in meaning, "show irritation" remains a versatile and acceptable choice. It's essential to consider the formality of the context to ensure the chosen expression aligns with the intended tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

display annoyance

Focuses on outward manifestation of feeling annoyed.

exhibit frustration

Highlights the demonstration of being frustrated.

reveal displeasure

Indicates the act of uncovering or making known a feeling of dissatisfaction.

express vexation

Emphasizes the verbal or non-verbal communication of being vexed or irritated.

manifest discontent

Highlights the outward sign of being not content.

betray annoyance

Suggests an unintentional revelation of feeling annoyed.

evidence frustration

Points to providing proof or indication of feeling frustrated.

give vent to irritation

Implies releasing or expressing pent-up irritation.

register displeasure

Formal way to show or record the feeling of being displeased.

demonstrate vexation

Illustrates showing visible signs of vexation.

FAQs

How can I use "show irritation" in a sentence?

You can use "show irritation" to describe someone's reaction to an annoying situation, such as "He tried not to show irritation when his colleague interrupted him for the third time".

What are some alternatives to "show irritation"?

Alternatives include "display annoyance", "exhibit frustration", or "reveal displeasure", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "show irritation" or "express irritation"?

Both "show irritation" and "express irritation" are grammatically correct, but "express irritation" might imply a more overt or verbal communication of annoyance, while "show irritation" can suggest a more subtle, non-verbal display.

When is it appropriate to use "show irritation" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "show irritation" in both formal and informal writing when you want to describe a subtle display of annoyance or frustration. However, consider your audience and choose a synonym like "manifest discontent" for more formal contexts.