state of agitation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "state of agitation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a condition of emotional disturbance or unrest, often in a psychological or physical context. Example: "After hearing the news, she was in a state of agitation, unable to focus on anything else."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

For posterity!" I replied in a state of agitation.

The New Yorker

It's so easy to do that," he said in a rare state of agitation.

The Guardian - Sport

DAY 6: I wake up in a state of agitation and throw on my dressing gown.

The New York Times - Books

That may be, though the persistent state of agitation in which he lives has very real roots.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I was in a constant state of agitation, waiting for the test, waiting for the results," she said.

The New York Times

His followers, drawn from the 80percentt of Venezuelans who live below the poverty line, have been kept in a permanent state of agitation.

The New York Times

Miss Hynes, Mr. Macmahonn's cousin and housekeeper) was still at the barracks in a state of agitation after originally stopping there to report the event.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Though I spent the first five hundred-odd pages of "Freedom" in various states of agitation, frustration, bewilderment, and angst — at Franzen's formal decisions, and at his characters decisions as people — I nonetheless read the final section in rapt attention, forgetful of my qualms, and by the final line, I found that I was in tears.

The New Yorker

Subsequently, in 2005, four young women with ovarian teratomas were observed with similar states of agitation and psychosis [ 2].

BioMed Research International

One of the most interesting findings of the validation process of the PANSS-EC subscale has been the quantification of the reductions on the scoring system of the scale, which correlates well with states of agitation, such as minimally improved (18%), much improved (38%) and very much improved (58%).

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

If, on the other hand, the states of agitation confirmed by specialistic assessment are taken into consideration, it is significant both in relation to the use of antipsychotics (ρ = 0.213; p < 0.003) and, although with lower values, of mood stabilizers (ρ = 0.139; p < 0.05).

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "state of agitation" to describe a condition of emotional or physical restlessness and disturbance. It's suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid using "state of agitation" in extremely casual or lighthearted situations where a simpler term like "nervous" or "excited" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state of agitation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition (e.g., 'in a state of agitation') or as a subject complement. Ludwig AI confirms its use in various contexts, suggesting a stable grammatical function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "state of agitation" effectively conveys a condition of emotional or physical disturbance. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in News & Media and scientific contexts. While generally versatile, it's best suited for situations where a precise description of unease or unrest is needed. When a less formal term is appropriate, alternatives like "nervousness" or "unease" can be considered. The phrase's consistent presence across reputable sources solidifies its reliability and appropriateness in varied writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

condition of turmoil

This alternative emphasizes the chaotic and disturbed nature of the situation.

heightened anxiety

This phrase focuses specifically on the elevated level of anxiety experienced.

excited frenzy

This alternative highlights a state of intense excitement and uncontrolled activity.

disturbed state

This term generally refers to an emotional disturbance or mental instability.

restless unease

This phrase indicates a state of discomfort and inability to relax.

commotion and disquiet

This highlights disturbance combined with lack of calmness.

tense anticipation

It brings emphasis to the excitement and fear combined of something that is about to happen.

unsettled mood

Mood refers to a prolonged emotion, in this case, one that is disturbed.

perturbation of spirit

It's a more literary way of saying a mood disturbance.

anxiety-ridden condition

This version highlights anxiety and alludes to an illness.

FAQs

How can I use "state of agitation" in a sentence?

You can use "state of agitation" to describe someone's emotional or physical unrest, such as: "After receiving the unexpected news, she was in a "state of agitation"."

What's a less formal alternative to "state of agitation"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "nervousness", "unease", or "restlessness" instead of "state of agitation".

Is "state of agitation" a suitable phrase for scientific writing?

Yes, "state of agitation" is appropriate for scientific writing when describing a condition of disturbance or unrest, whether emotional, psychological, or physical.

What is the difference between "state of agitation" and "state of excitement"?

"State of agitation" typically implies anxiety, unease, or distress, while "state of excitement" suggests enthusiasm, eagerness, or elation. They represent opposite emotional states.