are upset with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are upset with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance towards someone or something. Example: "The employees are upset with the recent changes in company policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Discussion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

And when I return here we are upset with America".

The New Yorker

"When you really probe, people are upset with spending, the deficit and the debt.

The New York Times

"Students are upset with what they see as anti-Americanism on campuses," Auchterlonie says.

The New York Times - Magazine

Pitino says he cares little about whether Kentucky fans are upset with him.

The New York Times - Sports

"From what I'm hearing, people in the district are upset with him," Mr. Harrison said.

The New York Times

It is no surprise some Italian-Americans are upset with the acclaim "The Sopranos" has received.

The New York Times

"They are upset with people being gay and fronting as if they're hardcore".

The New York Times

They are upset with the 50-50 proposandand intend to vote against it if the deal comes to fruition.

The New York Times - Sports

A lot of people who are upset with Bush find John Kerry a very frightening prospect in the White House".

The New York Times

"A lot of guys are upset with how turny and icy it is, but finishing second, I'm very happy with it," Thomsen said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I think they're upset with me".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary to avoid overuse of "are upset with". Consider alternatives like "are dissatisfied with" or "are displeased with" to add nuance to your writing.

Common error

Be mindful of the emotional weight that the phrase carries. "Are upset with" implies a degree of displeasure or anger. Avoid using it in contexts where the emotion is milder, such as simple disappointment. For milder situations, consider phrases like "are not entirely satisfied with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are upset with" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, describing the state or feeling of being displeased or annoyed towards someone or something. Ludwig examples confirm its use in expressing negative emotions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Sports

15%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Huffington Post

8%

Vice

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are upset with" is a common and grammatically correct way to express displeasure or annoyance. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to describe a negative emotional state, and it is frequently used in news, sports, and general discussions. While generally neutral, more formal alternatives may be suitable for professional contexts. Remember to clearly state the reason for the upset to avoid ambiguity and consider synonyms to prevent overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are dissatisfied with

Focuses on a general lack of satisfaction rather than specific anger or annoyance.

are displeased with

Emphasizes a mild level of unhappiness or disapproval.

are angry with

Directly states the emotion of anger towards someone or something.

are annoyed by

Highlights a feeling of irritation or bother.

are frustrated by

Indicates a feeling of being blocked or prevented from achieving something.

are irritated with

Similar to annoyed, but can imply a slightly stronger reaction.

are resentful of

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

are indignant about

Implies a strong feeling of anger and outrage, often due to something considered unjust.

take exception to

A more formal way of expressing disagreement or objection.

bear a grudge against

Indicates a long-lasting feeling of resentment.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are upset with" is used to express displeasure or annoyance towards someone or something. For example, "The customers "are upset with" the poor service."

What's a less direct way to say "are upset with"?

If you want to express a milder form of dissatisfaction, consider using phrases like "are dissatisfied with" or "are displeased with".

Is it grammatically correct to say "are upset at" instead of "are upset with"?

While "are upset at" can be used, "are upset with" is generally preferred when referring to a person or entity. "Are upset at" is more commonly used to express displeasure about a situation.

What are some situations where using "are upset with" might be inappropriate?

Using "are upset with" may be inappropriate in formal or diplomatic contexts where a more neutral tone is required. In such cases, consider using phrases like "have concerns about" or "are not entirely satisfied with".