turned restless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turned restless" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of agitation or unease that someone experiences, often when they are unable to remain still or calm. Example: "As the meeting dragged on, she turned restless, tapping her foot and glancing at the clock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Mr. Powers, an avowed fan of more narrative storytelling formats, turned restless.

The New York Times

So each time I set foot there, in a land where red soil gleams in the sun, I turned restless; my imagination ran wild.

The New York Times

People romped in "Tang the Hump," stared fixedly at a giant television screen in "The Box" and turned restless in "Unspoken," for which the Echelon Brass Quintet played a score by David Sampson.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

When the music turns restless, he plays with infectious spontaneity, adjusting tempos at will.

The New York Times - Arts

Ironically, however, many North Koreans are learning about the stagnation of their country and the relative prosperity outside their borders — and thus turning restless — through DVDs and radios smuggled in by Chinese merchants.

The New York Times

With the poles conquered, Shackleton, who was approaching forty, turned his restless attention to what he considered the sole remaining prize — a trans-Antarctica crossing.

The New Yorker

By 2009, Pentz had turned his restless attentions to another region of rump-shaking music, and conceived the Jamaican-inspired Major Lazer soundsystem with his London-based mentor, Switch.

The Guardian - Music

In the mid-1960s, withisisurfboardrd business booming, Alter turned his restless imagination to a new hobby — sailing.

Los Angeles Times

At home in the Hamptons, he seems at turns restless and reflective.

The New York Times

In one of his first interviews since leaving office, Michael R. Bloomberg was by turns restless, wry, entirely lacking in self-doubt and, at least for now, reticent to pass judgment on his successor.

The New York Times

But she'll likely have to deliver results quickly, or Yahoo shareholders could become restless again, and turn Ms. Decker into the latest top executive to be shown the door.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "turned restless", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning. It often implies a gradual shift from a state of calm to one of agitation.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "turned restless" might sound slightly informal in highly formal writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "became agitated" or "grew uneasy" in academic papers or business reports.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turned restless" functions as a verb phrase followed by an adjective, indicating a change of state. It describes the process of becoming agitated or unable to remain still. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in describing a shift from a calm state to one of unease.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "turned restless" describes a shift to a state of agitation or unease, as validated by Ludwig AI. While grammatically sound and commonly used in news and media, it may be considered slightly informal for academic or business writing, where alternatives like "became agitated" or "grew uneasy" might be more appropriate. Remember to consider the specific context and desired level of formality when choosing the right phrase to convey this sense of growing unease.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became agitated

Focuses on the increase in agitation, emphasizing the emotional state.

grew uneasy

Highlights the increasing feeling of discomfort or worry.

became fidgety

Emphasizes physical restlessness and small movements.

started to stir

Suggests a gradual increase in activity and unease.

grew impatient

Highlights the increasing lack of patience and desire for change.

became anxious

Focuses on the rising feelings of worry and nervousness.

grew perturbed

Emphasizes the increasing disturbance and disquiet.

became on edge

Highlights the growing state of being nervous and easily irritated.

started to chafe

Suggests a growing sense of annoyance or restriction.

became disquieted

Emphasizes the increasing loss of peace and tranquility.

FAQs

How can I use "turned restless" in a sentence?

You can use "turned restless" to describe someone becoming agitated or unable to stay still. For example, "As the meeting dragged on, she "turned restless", tapping her foot and glancing at the clock."

What are some alternatives to "turned restless"?

Alternatives include "became agitated", "grew uneasy", or "became fidgety", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "turned restless" or "became restless"?

Both "turned restless" and "became restless" are grammatically correct. "Turned" suggests a more noticeable or abrupt change, while "became" implies a more gradual shift.

What does "turned restless" imply about the subject's emotional state?

"Turned restless" often implies that the subject is experiencing some form of discomfort, boredom, or impatience, leading to an inability to remain still or calm.