to be restless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be restless" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a state of unease or inability to relax. Example: "After hours of waiting, she began to be restless." Alternative expressions include "to feel uneasy" and "to be agitated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

When the user is detected to be restless the Sensor agent processes the bed sensor data associated with detecting restlessness (A), a sensor event is then sent to the context agent (B) – (C).

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

The fans, meanwhile, will continue to be restless.

The New York Times

We're built to be restless in long-term relationships".

The New York Times

DealBook » 'Get Lucky' | Gary Cohn, the Prince Charles of Wall Street, is said to be restless.

The New York Times

Klein was still stuck on the plane — and her fellow travelers seemed to be restless.

The Washington Post

The players got rest, but these appear to be restless days for Frank.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

But we should all be restless to do more for the children of the world.

The Guardian - Opinion

Be restless.

WikiHow

Congressional representatives are going into opposition; convention delegates pledged to Trump are restless and other delegates are muttering about revolt.

Huffington Post

But three days later, after deliberately not tuning in to the news, she was restless, ready to return to her sweet sunny house in Pontchartrain Park.

Los Angeles Times

To say the natives are restless is to state the numb-skullingly obvious.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a general state of unease or dissatisfaction, use "to be restless" to convey a sense of constant activity or a lack of peace. For instance, "The crowd began to be restless after waiting for hours."

Common error

Avoid attributing restlessness solely to physical factors. While discomfort can cause it, emotional or mental states often contribute significantly. Restlessness is often a symptom of a deeper problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be restless" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as a complement or part of a verb phrase. It typically describes a state of unease, agitation, or inability to stay still or relax. This is supported by Ludwig examples where the phrase is used to describe the state of people, animals, or even abstract concepts like cities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

27%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be restless" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to describe a state of unease or inability to relax. It functions as a complement within sentences and carries a neutral register, suitable for various contexts. The phrase is commonly found in News & Media sources, reflecting its widespread use in describing societal trends, personal experiences, and character portrayals. Alternatives like "to be agitated", "to be uneasy", and "to be fidgety" offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be unable to relax

Directly states the inability to find calm or rest, the core of restlessness.

to be agitated

Focuses on the visible or audible expression of restlessness through actions or speech.

to be uneasy

Highlights a feeling of discomfort or anxiety, a common cause of restlessness.

to be fidgety

Describes the physical manifestation of restlessness through small movements.

to be unsettled

Suggests a lack of peace or stability, contributing to a feeling of restlessness.

to be impatient

Emphasizes the desire for something to happen sooner, leading to restlessness.

to be on edge

Implies a heightened state of alertness and anxiety, often causing restlessness.

to be stirred up

Highlights the internal emotional turmoil or excitement that can lead to restlessness.

to be antsy

Informal term for being restless and fidgety, often due to boredom or anticipation.

to crave movement

Specifies the desire for physical activity as a way to alleviate restlessness.

FAQs

How can I use "to be restless" in a sentence?

Use "to be restless" to describe a state of being unable to relax or stay still, often due to boredom, anxiety, or dissatisfaction. For example, "The children began "to be restless" during the long car ride."

What are some synonyms for "to be restless"?

Alternatives include "to be agitated", "to be uneasy", or "to be fidgety" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am restless"?

Yes, "I am restless" is grammatically correct. It means you are currently experiencing a state of restlessness, which is an inability to relax or stay still. For example: "I am restless because I have been waiting for hours."

What's the difference between "to be restless" and "to be anxious"?

While both describe states of unease, "to be restless" focuses on the inability to stay still or relax, often with a physical component. "To be anxious", on the other hand, emphasizes worry and apprehension, which may or may not manifest as restlessness. You can "to be anxious" without being restless, and vice versa.