sound agitated

USAGE SUMMARY

"sound agitated" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's tone or manner of speaking when they are anxious, angry, or disturbed. Example: "As she spoke, her voice began to sound agitated, and I could tell that something was really bothering her."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Music

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Tone is crucial when you talk with these people; do not sound agitated or you'll just keep them going.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

She spoke by cellphone, and the women in the background still sounded agitated.

The New York Times

On record, Blunt projects an air of stoned detachment even in his most paranoid moments; here he sounds agitated, barking "Feds are closing in on me" (a line from Punk) instead of murmuring it.

The Guardian - Music

Anderson, who sounded agitated Monday morning, said he was struck by comments made Sunday night on NBC's pregame show by the former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy and the former safety Rodney Harrison, who called for suspensions for helmet-to-helmet hits.

The New York Times - Sports

The atmosphere is full of "the sound of agitated leaves", although there are very few leaves anywhere.

The Guardian - Books

Don't scream at the victim or sound too agitated when you call to him or her.

WikiHow

Phillips sounded slightly agitated as he answered questions about Gonzalez on Friday.

The New York Times - Sports

HE sounded mildly agitated but not defensive — similar to his demeanor later that day on the jet when he started losing at rummy.

The New York Times

Now, after the Yankees' third season in a row without a World Series title, Jeter, the team captain, sounds as agitated as his boss.

The New York Times - Sports

On the first album and the equally celebrated follow-up, "Chutes Too Narrow" (2003), the group could sound delicate or agitated yet never lost its smooth melodicism, and Mr. Mercer's near-falsetto seemed to scrape at both pleasures and fears.

The New York Times - Arts

Put through a distortion pedal, Ngambali and Nsituvuidi's guitar lines frequently bear a weird resemblance to the itchy, agitated sound of post-punk: a track called Kimpala revolves around a wah-wah guitar riff that might have stepped off a late 60s acid-rock album.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's emotional state, use "sound agitated" to specifically indicate that their tone of voice reflects their inner turmoil. Ensure the context supports this interpretation, as agitation can manifest in various ways.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a loud or rapid tone automatically equates to agitation. Consider other factors such as cultural norms or personality traits that may influence speaking styles. Agitation implies underlying anxiety or distress, not simply assertiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sound agitated" functions as a descriptor, indicating a specific quality of someone's voice or manner of speaking. It links the act of sounding (auditory perception) to the state of being agitated (emotionally disturbed or anxious). Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

14%

Music

14%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sound agitated" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase to describe someone whose tone of voice suggests anxiety or emotional distress. While moderately frequent, it appears in diverse contexts ranging from news reports to how-to guides. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides illustrative examples. Consider alternatives such as "sound anxious" or "sound frantic" for nuanced expressions, and remember to contextualize the phrase appropriately to avoid misinterpretations. Always assess if the heightened tone arises from true agitation or other influences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sound anxious

Emphasizes worry and unease in the tone of voice.

sound distressed

Highlights a sense of suffering or extreme unhappiness conveyed through speech.

sound frantic

Suggests a sense of urgency and panic in the way someone speaks.

sound upset

Indicates a general state of unhappiness or emotional disturbance in the voice.

sound flustered

Implies a state of confusion and agitation in speech, often due to being overwhelmed.

sound perturbed

Highlights a feeling of mild disturbance or worry in the speaker's voice.

sound on edge

Conveys a sense of nervousness and irritability in the way someone speaks.

sound stressed

Directly relates the vocal tone to the experience of stress.

sound worked up

Suggests that the speaker is in an excited or agitated state.

sound overwrought

Emphasizes excessive agitation and emotional distress in the voice.

FAQs

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

You can use "sound agitated" to describe someone whose tone of voice indicates nervousness, anxiety, or distress. For example: "During the phone call, she began to "sound agitated" when discussing the project's deadline."

What are some alternatives to "sound agitated"?

Alternatives to "sound agitated" include phrases like "sound anxious", "sound distressed", or "sound frantic", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of emotional distress conveyed through speech.

Is it more appropriate to say "sound agitated" or "seemed agitated"?

The choice depends on the context. "Sound agitated" focuses on the auditory impression, while "seemed agitated" describes a general observation of someone's behavior. If you are commenting on their vocal tone, use "sound agitated". If you are commenting on their general state, use "seemed agitated".

What does it mean when someone sounds "agitated"?

When someone sounds "agitated", it typically indicates that they are experiencing heightened anxiety, nervousness, or emotional distress. This can manifest in their tone of voice through increased speed, volume, or an overall sense of unease.