was exasperated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was exasperated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of frustration or annoyance that someone experienced in the past. Example: "After dealing with the constant interruptions, she was exasperated and needed a break."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr. Carbone was exasperated.

The New York Times

Clegg was exasperated.

The Guardian

Ivanka was exasperated.

The New Yorker

But she was exasperated, too.

The New Yorker

LaFave was exasperated by Hurley's explanation.

The Guardian

She was exasperated by my tone.

The New Yorker

"Unsurprisingly, Miss McCluskie was exasperated by this.

Independent

Coach Jeff Van Gundy was exasperated.

The New York Times - Sports

"What do you mean?" I was exasperated.

The New York Times

He was exasperated, to say the least.

The Guardian - Sport

I was exasperated by this rubbish.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was exasperated" to effectively convey a sense of frustration beyond simple annoyance, emphasizing a loss of patience due to persistent irritation. This phrase is suitable when describing someone's reaction to ongoing issues or incompetence.

Common error

Avoid using "was exasperated" in very casual conversations or informal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or dramatic in everyday settings. Consider using simpler alternatives like "was annoyed" or "was frustrated" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was exasperated" functions as a stative verb phrase, describing a state of being. Ludwig AI shows that it is primarily used to indicate someone's emotional state of frustration or annoyance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was exasperated" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a state of intense frustration or annoyance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it can sound slightly formal in very casual settings, where alternatives like "was annoyed" or "was frustrated" might be more appropriate. When using "was exasperated", be mindful of the intensity you wish to convey, as it suggests a more profound loss of patience than simple irritation. Remember to avoid overusing it in overly informal scenarios. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "was exasperated" to precisely convey the intended emotional state in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

felt frustrated

Expresses a similar feeling of annoyance or dissatisfaction but uses a more common term.

was aggravated

Shares a similar meaning, suggesting a state of being made worse or more troublesome.

was annoyed

Conveys a mild sense of irritation, slightly less intense than "exasperated".

was fed up

Indicates a state of being tired and annoyed with something that has been happening for a long time.

became irritated

Indicates the process of becoming annoyed, focusing on the change in state.

was irked

A more informal way to describe being annoyed or irritated.

grew impatient

Implies a loss of patience, often due to delays or incompetence.

became disgruntled

Implies a feeling of dissatisfaction and discontent, often due to unfair treatment.

lost patience

A stronger form of growing impatient, indicating a complete lack of patience.

was incensed

Suggests a state of extreme anger and outrage, more intense than "exasperated".

FAQs

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

You can use "was exasperated" to describe someone's reaction to a situation causing significant annoyance or frustration. For example, "After the third delay, she was exasperated and demanded a refund."

What are some alternatives to "was exasperated"?

Alternatives include "felt frustrated", "was annoyed", or "became irritated". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "was exasperated" formal or informal?

"Was exasperated" leans towards the formal side but is acceptable in news and media contexts. In very casual settings, simpler words might be more appropriate.

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

"Was exasperated" implies a sense of frustration and loss of patience, while "was angry" suggests a stronger emotion of rage or displeasure. Exasperation often precedes anger but is not necessarily as intense. You might be "was annoyed" without being angry, but feeling angry suggests a heightened emotional state.