was annoyed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was annoyed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a past state of irritation or displeasure experienced by someone. Example: "She was annoyed when her colleague interrupted her during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Samper was annoyed.

The New Yorker

I was annoyed then.

The New Yorker

The writer was annoyed.

The New Yorker

She was annoyed.

The New York Times

"I was annoyed.

The Guardian - Money

Gillman was annoyed.

The New York Times - Sports

Twitter was annoyed.

The Washington Post

Wenger was annoyed.

The Guardian - Sport

So I was annoyed".

The Guardian - Books

Etienne was annoyed.

The New Yorker

But I was annoyed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was annoyed" to clearly and directly express a past feeling of irritation. Choose synonyms like "was irritated" or "was displeased" to add nuance or formality depending on the context.

Common error

While "was annoyed" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overuse in formal contexts. Opt for alternatives like "was irritated", "was dissatisfied", or "felt aggravated" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was annoyed" functions as a past tense stative verb phrase, indicating a state of being or a feeling experienced in the past. It describes someone's emotional state, specifically that they felt irritated or bothered. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was annoyed" is a versatile and commonly used way to express a past feeling of irritation or displeasure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently found in various contexts, especially in news and media. While suitable for general use, remember to consider the tone of your writing and choose synonyms like "was irritated" or "was displeased" for more formal situations. By understanding its nuances and context, you can effectively communicate your intended meaning. Avoid overusing "was annoyed" in formal writing by exploring alternative expressions for sophistication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

felt irritated

Focuses on the feeling of irritation, a direct synonym for being annoyed.

was irritated

Synonymous replacement, offering a direct alternative using the adjective form of 'irritate'.

was irritated by

Specifies the cause of the irritation, providing more context.

was displeased

Indicates a lack of satisfaction or happiness, a more formal way of expressing annoyance.

was frustrated

Highlights the feeling of being blocked or prevented from achieving something, leading to annoyance.

was bothered

Implies a sense of being disturbed or inconvenienced, a milder form of annoyance.

was exasperated

Implies a state of intense irritation and frustration.

took exception to

A more formal way of expressing disagreement and annoyance with something.

was put out

Suggests a feeling of inconvenience or being slightly upset.

was vexed

Indicates a state of being worried or annoyed about trivial matters; a slightly more formal word choice.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "was annoyed"?

Some synonyms for "was annoyed" include "was irritated", "was displeased", "was frustrated", or "was bothered". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "was annoyed" in a sentence?

You can use "was annoyed" to describe a past feeling of irritation. For example, "She was annoyed by the constant interruptions" or "He was annoyed that the meeting was delayed."

Is "was annoyed" formal or informal?

"Was annoyed" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for very formal writing, consider alternatives like "was displeased" or "took exception to".

What's the difference between "was annoyed" and "was angry"?

"Was annoyed" implies a milder form of displeasure or irritation, while "was angry" suggests a stronger feeling of rage or indignation. Annoyance is a less intense emotion than anger.