worked up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worked up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a state of being agitated, excited, or emotionally charged about something. Example: "She was really worked up about the upcoming presentation and couldn't sleep the night before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everyone's all worked up.

The New York Times

He was getting worked up.

The New Yorker

She's becoming worked up.

The Guardian

Worked up an appetite?

The Guardian - Travel

"What, why are you all worked up?

Independent

I get too worked up without smoking.

The New York Times

He was worked up for nothing.

The New Yorker

Anyway, Ma was pretty worked up.

The New York Times

Their plan worked up to a point.

The New York Times - Sports

By dinnertime, Hannah was all worked up.

The New Yorker

That has worked, up to a point.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "worked up" to convey a state of heightened emotion or excitement, but consider the specific context to ensure the intensity aligns with the situation. Overusing it can diminish its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "worked up" to describe only physical exertion; it primarily denotes emotional or mental agitation. For physical exertion, consider phrases like "worked up a sweat" or "exhausted".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worked up" functions as an adjective phrase, typically used to describe a state of being emotionally aroused, excited, or agitated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used to convey heightened emotion. The examples show its descriptive role in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

18%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "worked up" is a versatile adjective phrase that effectively conveys a state of heightened emotion, whether positive or negative. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. Appearing most frequently in news and media, it maintains a generally neutral register suitable for diverse communication contexts. While "worked up" is widely used, remember to choose precise synonyms like "agitated" or "excited" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Avoid confusing it with physical exertion, and use it judiciously to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

agitated

This alternative emphasizes a state of nervous excitement or disturbance.

excited

Focuses on a positive sense of enthusiasm or anticipation.

stirred up

Suggests that emotions have been actively provoked or awakened.

aroused

Implies a state of heightened emotion or stimulation.

stressed out

Highlights the experience of feeling overwhelmed by pressure.

riled up

Indicates a state of annoyance or irritation.

keyed up

Describes a state of being nervous and tense.

in a frenzy

Implies a state of uncontrolled excitement or agitation.

worked into a lather

Suggests excessive agitation or excitement, often over something minor.

all het up

An informal way to describe being agitated or excited.

FAQs

How can I use "worked up" in a sentence?

You can use "worked up" to describe someone who is agitated, excited, or emotionally charged. For example, "She got really "worked up" before her job interview".

What is a more formal alternative to "worked up"?

While "worked up" is generally acceptable, in more formal contexts, you could use alternatives like "agitated" or "excited" depending on the intended meaning.

Is "worked up" always negative?

No, "worked up" is not always negative. It can describe excitement in a positive context, although it often implies some level of stress or anxiety.

What's the difference between "worked up" and "stressed out"?

"Worked up" generally describes a state of heightened emotion that could be either positive or negative, while "stressed out" specifically refers to feeling overwhelmed by pressure or anxiety.