wound up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wound up" is correct and can be used in written English.
Typically, it is used to describe how a person is feeling, as in "I was wound up from all the stress the past week". It can also be used to describe how a machine or mechanism works, as in "Filled with gears and springs, the clock was wound up and ready to go".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Our call wound up.

The New Yorker

He wound up 32nd.

The New York Times

He's wound up.

The New Yorker

Rodriguez wound up walking.

The New York Times - Sports

Busch wound up third.

The New York Times - Sports

I got wound up.

Independent

A WEEK wound up.

The New York Times

"She'd just get wound up".

The New Yorker

He wound up staying on.

The New York Times

Both teams wound up losing.

The New York Times

It wound up being O.K.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wound up" to describe a feeling, consider the intensity. Alternatives like "slightly annoyed" or "completely enraged" can provide a more precise description.

Common error

While "wound up" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound informal. In professional or academic contexts, opt for more formal alternatives like "concluded" or "resulted in" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wound up" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, often used as the past tense of "wind up". It can indicate the conclusion of an event, a final state, or an emotional condition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage through numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wound up" is a versatile phrasal verb commonly used to indicate a conclusion, result, or emotional state. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and provides numerous examples, primarily from news and media sources. While generally considered acceptable, it's essential to consider the context and formality level, opting for more precise or formal alternatives when appropriate. Overuse should also be avoided in more formal writing. Overall, understanding its various applications enhances effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ended up

Focuses on the final result or outcome of a process or situation.

resulted in

Indicates a direct consequence or outcome of something.

finished

Highlights the completion of an action or task.

concluded

Implies a formal ending or decision.

became

Emphasizes the transformation or change into a certain state.

got worked up

Specifically refers to becoming agitated or excited.

was stirred up

Implies being emotionally aroused or provoked.

became agitated

Highlights a state of nervousness or restlessness.

was stressed out

Specifically suggests feeling overwhelmed by stress.

was all shook up

Suggests a state of emotional turmoil or shock.

FAQs

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

You can use "wound up" to describe a state of being, such as "I "got wound up" before the presentation". It can also describe an end result: "The meeting "concluded" earlier than expected".

What are some alternatives to "wound up" when describing feelings?

If you want to avoid using "wound up" when describing emotions, you can use alternatives such as "stressed out", "agitated", or "stirred up", depending on the specific emotion.

Is "wound up" formal or informal?

"Wound up" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, you might prefer alternatives like "resulted in" or ""concluded"".

When is it appropriate to use "wound up"?

It's appropriate to use "wound up" in casual conversations, informal writing, or when describing someone's emotional state. For professional contexts, use more formal synonyms such as "finished", or "ended up".