all upset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all upset" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being very upset or distressed about something. Example: "After hearing the news, she was all upset and couldn't focus on her work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I'm going to America," she writes, then quickly adds: "I'm all upset.

The New York Times

Ah, but the dude doing the explaining was white, and as near as I can figure, that's what has people all upset.

Huffington Post

Yelling, small kids, and dogs can all upset a horse.

WikiHow

We were all upset".

The New Yorker

"He's all upset now".

The New York Times

"We are all upset.

The Guardian

"Of course, we're all upset.

The New York Times

"You got all upset to-night.

The New Yorker

"Then the dog jumped up all upset.

The New York Times

"Father wasn't at all upset," she said.

The Guardian

"We were all upset," Dr. Matsumoto said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all upset" to convey a general state of emotional disturbance rather than to describe a specific emotion. For instance, "They were all upset by the news" is more fitting than "They were all upset because they were angry."

Common error

While "all upset" is acceptable, it may sound informal in academic or professional contexts. Use more precise and formal alternatives such as "distressed", "agitated", or "concerned" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all upset" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of emotional distress or disturbance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "all upset" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a state of emotional distress or disturbance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as an adjectival phrase across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While acceptable in most situations, more formal synonyms might be preferable in academic or professional writing. When using "all upset", ensure it accurately reflects a general sense of emotional disturbance rather than a specific, defined emotion. By understanding its nuances and potential alternatives, you can effectively communicate emotional states in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very disturbed

Focuses on the internal emotional state, highlighting a significant disruption of peace of mind.

highly agitated

Emphasizes a state of heightened restlessness and unease.

deeply troubled

Indicates a profound level of worry and concern.

extremely worried

Highlights the anxiety and apprehension associated with a situation.

severely distressed

Conveys a strong sense of suffering and discomfort.

completely distraught

Suggests a state of extreme emotional upset and confusion.

quite disturbed

Indicates a notable disruption of one's emotional equilibrium.

terribly anxious

Stresses the intense fear and nervousness experienced.

thoroughly bothered

Emphasizes the degree to which someone is annoyed or inconvenienced.

totally shaken

Implies a destabilizing emotional impact.

FAQs

How can I use "all upset" in a sentence?

You can use "all upset" to describe a group or individual feeling distressed or disturbed about something. For example, "The community was "all upset" by the new regulations".

What are some alternatives to "all upset"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "distressed", "agitated", "concerned", or "troubled" instead of "all upset".

Is "all upset" too informal for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "all upset" might be perceived as informal in academic writing. Consider using more formal synonyms like "perturbed", "anxious", or "disquieted" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "all upset" and "very angry"?

"All upset" conveys a general sense of emotional disturbance, including sadness, anxiety, or confusion, whereas "very angry" specifically indicates a state of intense displeasure or rage. You could be "all upset" without being angry, but being very angry implies a strong emotional reaction.