be angry with

USAGE SUMMARY

"be angry with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone is feeling displeasure or indignation towards another person. Example sentence: I am angry with my brother for not listening to me.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's easy to be angry with people.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I can't be angry with a child".

The New Yorker

Instead, she seems to be angry with us".

The New Yorker

"Don't be angry with me, Irving," he said.

The New Yorker

For their sake, don't be angry with me".

The New Yorker

"One can only be angry with those he respects".

The New Yorker

So why would I be angry with them?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Nobody has a right to be angry with Russia.

The Guardian

"Don't be angry with me forever," she says.

The New Yorker

I need them to be angry with me.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The fans are going to be angry with us.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be angry with", ensure that the object of the preposition 'with' is the person or thing causing the anger. This maintains clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid substituting 'with' for other prepositions such as 'at' or 'about' when expressing anger, as this can alter the meaning. Use "be angry with" to specify the target of your anger.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be angry with" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of feeling or emotion. It indicates that a subject is experiencing anger toward a specific person or thing. Ludwig's examples confirm that this is a standard construction for expressing directed anger.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

18%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be angry with" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express resentment or displeasure toward a specific target. According to Ludwig's analysis, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While synonyms like "be furious at" or "be upset with" can be used to convey different intensities of anger, it's crucial to maintain proper preposition usage. Ensuring the object of 'with' is the cause of anger will keep your writing clear and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be furious at

Expresses a higher intensity of anger compared to "be angry with".

be upset with

Indicates a milder form of displeasure or annoyance than "be angry with".

be annoyed by

Suggests irritation or mild anger caused by someone or something.

be irritated with

Implies a feeling of impatience or frustration towards someone.

be displeased with

Indicates dissatisfaction or disapproval, often in a more formal context.

be indignant at

Conveys anger mixed with surprise and injustice.

harbor resentment towards

Suggests a lingering feeling of bitterness or anger.

hold a grudge against

Indicates a persistent feeling of animosity.

bear malice toward

Implies a deep-seated desire to harm someone due to anger.

feel animosity toward

Expresses a strong dislike or hostility.

FAQs

How do I use "be angry with" in a sentence?

Use "be angry with" to indicate that someone is feeling displeasure or resentment toward another person or thing. For example, "I am angry with my neighbor for playing loud music".

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

While similar, "be angry with" is generally used for people, while "be angry at" can be used for both people and things. For example, you might "be angry with your brother" or "be angry at the situation".

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

Alternatives include "be furious at", "be upset with", or "be annoyed by", depending on the intensity of the emotion you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "be angry on" instead of "be angry with"?

No, "be angry on" is not grammatically correct. The correct preposition to use is "with" when expressing anger towards a person or thing.