were agitated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were agitated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of emotional disturbance or unrest in a group of people or individuals in the past. Example: "The crowd were agitated after the announcement of the controversial decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The fat and protein were agitated.

The New Yorker

In the aftermath, some onlookers were bemused; others were agitated.

The New Yorker

Some of the soldiers were agitated, others euphoric.

Independent

Both animals were agitated, and if they began fighting one would have to be shot.

The Guardian

It seemed the former occupants of the house were agitated by the changes, he said.

The New York Times

"There were also moments in which the waters were agitated and the wind contrary," he said.

The New York Times

All were agitated.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

The flasks were agitated for 2 h.

International Journal of Industrial Chemistry

They were agitated vigorously to resuspend particles.

Environmental Sciences Europe

During processing, the suspensions were agitated with a magnetic stirrer.

Heritage Science

Thereafter, the mixtures were agitated for 24 h.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were agitated" to accurately describe a state of emotional or physical unrest affecting a group or multiple entities. Ensure the context clearly indicates the cause or source of the agitation.

Common error

While "were agitated" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal contexts, especially if more precise or nuanced alternatives like "were concerned" or "were uneasy" would better convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were agitated" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject experienced agitation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. It often follows a noun or pronoun, describing a state of disturbance or unrest.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were agitated" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive verb phrase that describes a past state of disturbance or unrest. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's versatile, appearing in both scientific and news contexts. While generally neutral in tone, consider more precise alternatives like "were disturbed" or "were unsettled" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When writing, ensure that the context clearly indicates the cause or source of the agitation to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were disturbed

This alternative suggests a state of being bothered or disrupted, emphasizing a loss of peace.

were unsettled

This implies a lack of stability or comfort, highlighting a feeling of unease.

were perturbed

This suggests a state of mild anxiety or worry, focusing on mental agitation.

were anxious

This directly describes a state of worry and nervousness.

were restless

This highlights an inability to stay still or be at ease, indicating physical and mental agitation.

were stirred up

This emphasizes the act of causing agitation or excitement, focusing on an external influence.

were roused

This suggests being awakened or provoked, implying a response to a stimulus.

were excited

This indicates a state of heightened emotion, which can be positive or negative, differing from the primarily negative connotation of "agitated".

were shaken up

This implies a disturbance to one's composure or stability, suggesting a more profound impact.

were flustered

This describes a state of confusion and agitation, often in response to a stressful situation.

FAQs

How can I use "were agitated" in a sentence?

You can use "were agitated" to describe a state of emotional or physical disturbance. For example: "The protesters were agitated by the police presence."

What are some alternatives to "were agitated"?

Some alternatives include "were disturbed", "were unsettled", or "were perturbed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "was agitated" instead of "were agitated"?

No, "was agitated" is used for singular subjects, while "were agitated" is used for plural subjects or with the pronoun "you". For example, "He was agitated," but "They were agitated."

What is the difference between "were agitated" and "became agitated"?

"Were agitated" describes a state of being, while "became agitated" describes the process of entering that state. "The crowd were agitated" indicates their current state, whereas "The crowd became agitated" describes how they transitioned to that state.