they were restless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were restless" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of agitation or inability to relax, often in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "As the meeting dragged on, they were restless, shifting in their seats and glancing at the clock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

They were restless & lonely.

The New Yorker

They were restless — especially Kenneth, who moved to Greenwich Village to study art as soon as he graduated.

The New York Times

They were restless until we took off and began to course above the projected treetops, happy at the opportunity to just stare in slightly dumbfounded silence.

The New York Times - Travel

They had this in common: they were restless; they were at home in strange and forbidding places; they were attached to the early albums of Herbie Hancock; and they liked to eat.

The New Yorker

In the years that followed, Sheldon would join the C.I.A. as a counterintelligence analyst, earn her Ph.D. in experimental psychology and operate a chicken farm in New Jersey — they were restless and uncertain times for her.

The New York Times - Books

Kept in solitary confinement for up to 23 hours each day, allowed out only in shackles and escorted by guards, they were restless and angry — made more so by the excrement-smeared walls, the insects, the filthy food trays and the mentally ill inmates who screamed in the night, conditions that a judge had already ruled unacceptable.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

They are restless, political, eager for risk.

The New Yorker

"I fled for their safety, but now they are restless and angry," she said.

The New York Times

In "Island of Lost Souls," Charles Laughton remarks, "They are restless tonight".

The New York Times - Magazine

He nurses the cows when they are sick and sings to them when they are restless.

The New York Times

PAGE A11 A Frenzy Called Hypomania They are restless, eager people, consumed with curiosity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were restless" to depict a group's inability to relax or stay still, often due to boredom, anxiety, or anticipation. Ensure the context clearly identifies who "they" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "they were restless" without providing context for why they felt that way. Simply stating the feeling without explanation can leave the reader confused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were restless" functions primarily as a descriptive statement, indicating the state or condition of a group of people. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and can be used effectively to portray a sense of unease or agitation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were restless" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While its frequency is uncommon, it effectively conveys a sense of unease or agitation within a group. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral register. To enhance your writing, consider providing clear context for why "they" felt restless. Alternatives such as "they felt agitated" or "they were anxious" can offer nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were uneasy and agitated

Combines both discomfort and outward signs of disturbance.

they were feeling uneasy

Highlights the discomfort and lack of ease.

they were anxious

Focuses specifically on worry and apprehension.

they felt agitated

Focuses more on outward manifestation of unease.

they were unsettled

Highlights a lack of stability or peace of mind.

they were on edge

Suggests a heightened state of anxiety and anticipation.

they couldn't settle down

Emphasizes the inability to find a comfortable position or state.

they were disturbed

Indicates an interruption of their peace or tranquility.

they were fidgety

Describes small movements indicating nervousness or impatience.

they were in a state of turmoil

Conveys a more intense inner disturbance.

FAQs

What does "they were restless" mean?

The phrase "they were restless" describes a state of being unable to relax or stay still, often due to boredom, anxiety, or anticipation. It implies a lack of peace or contentment within a group.

What can I say instead of "they were restless"?

You can use alternatives like "they felt agitated", "they were anxious", or "they were uneasy" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "they were restless" in a sentence?

You might say, "As the meeting dragged on, they were restless, shifting in their seats." Or, "Kept in solitary confinement, they were restless and angry."

Is "they were restless" formal or informal?

The phrase "they were restless" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the overall style of your writing than on the phrase itself.