are upset that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are upset that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express someone's feelings of disappointment or anger regarding a specific situation or event. Example: "The students are upset that their field trip was canceled due to bad weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

People are upset that we didn't win".

The New York Times - Sports

People are upset that the Republicans don't play fair".

The Guardian

Mayor Bloomberg and his aides are upset that the visions aren't his.

The New York Times

Sara's parents, Sid and Estelle, are upset that their daughter is a lesbian.

The New Yorker

Republicans are upset that Mr Clinton, beset by scandal and bereft of initiative, is nonetheless popular.

The Economist

Many Hispanic groups are upset that Mr. Obama has not pressed for immigration reform this year.

The New York Times

This time, apparently, the local businesses are upset that the construction is reducing foot traffic.

The Economist

Obama and Gibbs are upset that the lefties won't recognize the necessity of compromise.

The New York Times

Transit advocates are upset that the new bridge will not include rail lines or bus service.

The New York Times

"People are upset that historic streets have been ripped up – how do you restore history?

The Guardian

The fishermen are not scared; they are upset that war has not come yet.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are upset that", ensure the context clearly identifies who is feeling upset and the specific reason for their feelings. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the communication.

Common error

Avoid vague statements about why people "are upset that". Always specify the exact cause to prevent misinterpretations and ensure clarity in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are upset that" functions as a predicative expression indicating a state of emotional distress or displeasure experienced by a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English. The phrase connects the subject with the reason for their emotional state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are upset that" is a common and grammatically sound way to express feelings of disappointment, anger, or frustration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in written English, particularly within news and media contexts to report on public sentiment. While suitable for general use, clarity is key: specify the exact reason for the upset to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "are disappointed that" or "are angry that" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are disappointed that

Expresses a feeling of sadness or frustration because something did not happen as expected. It's a milder emotion than being upset.

are angry that

Indicates a stronger emotion of displeasure and antagonism compared to being simply upset.

are displeased that

A more formal way of expressing dissatisfaction or disapproval.

are frustrated that

Highlights the feeling of being blocked or hindered in achieving something, leading to annoyance.

are annoyed that

Conveys a feeling of mild irritation or exasperation.

are irritated that

Similar to annoyed, but can imply a slightly more persistent or bothersome feeling.

are resentful that

Suggests a feeling of bitterness or indignation, often due to a perceived injustice.

are indignant that

Expresses strong displeasure or anger at something considered unfair or unjust.

are aggrieved that

Indicates a feeling of being wronged or unfairly treated, often with a sense of sadness.

are saddened that

Focuses on the feeling of sorrow or unhappiness caused by a particular event or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "are upset that" in a sentence?

Use "are upset that" to express disappointment or anger about a situation. For example, "Customers "are upset that" the product is delayed" indicates dissatisfaction with the delay.

What's a less emotional alternative to "are upset that"?

If you want to express mild disappointment without strong emotion, consider phrases like "are disappointed that" or "are concerned that".

What are some synonyms for "are upset that" that convey anger?

To convey anger, you could use phrases like "are angry that", "are indignant that", or "are furious that", depending on the intensity of the anger.

Is it correct to say "is upset that" instead of "are upset that"?

No, "is upset that" should be used with singular subjects (e.g., "He is upset that"), while "are upset that" is for plural subjects (e.g., "They are upset that").