be angry at

USAGE SUMMARY

"be angry at" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
This phrase is typically used when you are expressing frustration or wanting to express that someone is feeling angry towards a person or situation. For example, "Sam was angry at his coworker for not showing up to the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Everyone would be angry at this.

The New York Times

He would be angry at that kid for days".

The New York Times - Magazine

But I don't know who to be angry at.

Independent

Perhaps they would be angry at us for causing trouble.

The New Yorker

"How can I be angry at your happiness?" I asked.

The New Yorker

Is the Valley right to be angry at Silver Lake?

The New York Times

And you want me to be angry at Western media?

The Washington Post

People are right to be angry at the Democratic establishment.

The Guardian - Opinion

The tattoo lady might be angry at an unwanted interruption.

The Guardian - Books

You should be angry at injustices and angry at brutality.

The New York Times

"You cannot be angry at a natural disaster".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the intensity of the emotion. If a stronger term is more appropriate, consider alternatives such as "furious" or "indignant" to more accurately convey the feeling.

Common error

Avoid using "be angry at" when a more specific emotion is relevant. For instance, if the context involves betrayal, terms like "betrayed by" or "resentful of" may be more fitting than "be angry at."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be angry at" functions as a predicate adjective describing a state of emotional displeasure directed toward a specific person, object, or situation. Ludwig AI confirms this is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be angry at" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote feelings of resentment or displeasure. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread acceptance across various written contexts. Predominantly featured in "News & Media", it serves to express negative emotions directed towards a specific subject. While alternatives like "be furious with" or "be upset with" offer nuanced expressions of anger, "be angry at" remains a versatile and direct way to convey this emotion. When using the phrase, consider the intensity of the emotion to choose the most fitting expression and clearly define the object of anger to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be furious with

Replaces "angry" with a stronger synonym, "furious", indicating a higher intensity of anger.

be mad at

Uses "mad" as a synonym for "angry", maintaining a similar level of intensity but with a more informal tone.

be upset with

Substitutes "angry" with "upset", suggesting a milder form of displeasure or disappointment.

resent someone

Focuses on the feeling of resentment towards someone, implying a more prolonged and deep-seated anger.

be indignant about

Emphasizes anger caused by something unjust or unfair.

harbor animosity toward

Indicates a sustained feeling of ill will or hostility, which is a more intense and formal way of expressing anger.

feel aggrieved by

Suggests a sense of being wronged or unjustly treated, leading to anger.

hold a grudge against

Implies a long-lasting resentment and unwillingness to forgive.

express displeasure with

Highlights the act of showing dissatisfaction or disapproval, which can stem from anger.

bear a grudge towards

Implies maintaining long-term resentment or bitterness towards someone or something.

FAQs

How can I use "be angry at" in a sentence?

You can use "be angry at" to express feelings of annoyance or displeasure toward someone or something. For example, "She was angry at the traffic" or "He was angry at his friend for being late".

What can I say instead of "be angry at"?

You can use alternatives like "be furious with", "be upset with", or "be mad at" depending on the context and intensity of the emotion.

Which is correct, "be angry at" or "be angry with"?

Both "be angry at" and "be angry with" are grammatically correct and commonly used. "Be angry at" is often used for things or situations, while "be angry with" is typically used for people, although there is overlap.

What's the difference between "be angry at" and "resent someone"?

"Be angry at" generally describes a more immediate emotional response to something, while "resent someone" suggests a deeper, more prolonged feeling of bitterness or ill will.