we were restless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were restless" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of unease or inability to relax, often in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "As the night wore on, we were restless, unable to find comfort in our surroundings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We were restless, the silence too heavy for us.

The New Yorker

We were restless, and as invigorating and "experimental" as dance was, we felt something was missing.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But it isn't Europe we're restless for... It's simply the old summer restlessness, which goes back to school days... Restlessness makes us think about taking a white 1960 Cadillac convertible that we don't have & driving 85 miles an hour across the Geo.

The New Yorker

"We're restless producers, basically".

The Guardian - Music

We are restless to create more demo spaces around the world".

The Guardian - Tech

I don't mean the kind of punks that are up to no good, but the punks that are up against the establishment," said Ek. "We're really punks because we're restless, and because we really hate it when people tell us 'this is just the way it is'".

The Guardian

"We're punks because we're restless," he said.

TechCrunch

12. We're restless.

Huffington Post

We are restless people.

Huffington Post

Thank God, we are free -- and we are restless.

Huffington Post

We work too hard, our lives are too busy, and we are restless and distracted, losing ourselves in consumption.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were restless" to effectively convey a collective feeling of unease, agitation, or inability to relax within a group. It's particularly potent in narrative contexts where you want to emphasize a shared emotional state.

Common error

While appropriate in many situations, avoid using "we were restless" in highly formal or professional writing where a more precise or nuanced description of the feeling might be more suitable. For example, in a business report, consider alternatives like "we anticipated challenges" or "we experienced delays".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were restless" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating a collective state of unease or agitation in the past. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness. The examples illustrate its use in conveying a shared feeling of being unable to settle or relax.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were restless" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase to express a shared feeling of unease or agitation. As indicated by Ludwig, it's most frequently found in News & Media contexts. While versatile, it's advisable to consider more precise alternatives in highly formal settings. Remember to select the appropriate tense to reflect the correct timing of the feeling. By understanding its nuances and usage, you can effectively incorporate "we were restless" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we felt uneasy

Focuses on the feeling of unease rather than the inability to stay still.

we were unsettled

Indicates a lack of peace or stability.

we were agitated

Highlights the state of being disturbed or excited, often negatively.

we were disquieted

A more formal way to express a lack of inner peace.

we couldn't settle down

Emphasizes the inability to relax or find a comfortable state.

we were antsy

An informal way to describe feeling restless and nervous.

we were on edge

Conveys a sense of being nervous and easily startled.

we were edgy

Similar to "on edge" but can also imply irritability.

we felt impatient

Highlights the frustration and desire for something to happen quickly.

we felt fidgety

Describes the physical manifestation of restlessness through small movements.

FAQs

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

You can use "we were restless" to describe a feeling of unease, agitation, or inability to relax. For example: "As the night wore on, "we were restless", unable to find comfort in our surroundings."

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

You can use alternatives like "we felt uneasy", "we were agitated", or "we couldn't settle down" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "we are restless" instead of "we were restless"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but they have different meanings. "We were restless" refers to a past state, while "we are restless" describes a current state. Choose the tense that accurately reflects the timing of the feeling.

What is the difference between "we were restless" and "we were bored"?

"We were restless" suggests an inability to relax or find peace, often due to anxiety or anticipation. "We were bored" indicates a lack of interest or stimulation. While restlessness can sometimes stem from boredom, they are distinct feelings.