be pretty upset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be pretty upset" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a moderate level of distress or disappointment about a situation. Example: "If they cancel the event at the last minute, I will be pretty upset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

I'll be pretty upset if it's a joke".

The Guardian

Still, "if I lost the apartment for $1,000, I would be pretty upset," he said.

The New York Times

LEAHY: In my state, I'd be pretty upset if the U.S. attorney was there only three days a month.

The Washington Post

"My 16-year-old self would be pretty upset at some of the decisions I've made that have actually paid off".

The New York Times - Sports

I'd be pretty upset about the mosque, too, if I had lost someone near and dear to me on that fateful day.

The New York Times

"If I were under this rule," Mr. Fogg said, "and it had an effect on me, I might be pretty upset.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

I was pretty upset.

The New York Times

"People are pretty upset.

The New York Times

He's pretty upset, obviously.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was pretty upset," Suhey said.

The New York Times - Sports

"But I'm pretty upset right now.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be pretty upset" to convey a moderate level of disappointment or annoyance. It's suitable when you want to express displeasure without being overly dramatic.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "pretty" as an intensifier, as it can weaken the impact of your statement. Consider stronger alternatives like "very", "quite", or specific adjectives to convey the exact emotion you intend.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be pretty upset" functions as a subject complement, describing the emotional state of a subject. It indicates a moderate level of disappointment or annoyance. The use of "pretty" as an intensifier modifies the adjective "upset", showing a less intense form of being upset, which is reflected in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be pretty upset" is a grammatically correct and commonly understood expression used to convey a moderate level of disappointment or annoyance. As Ludwig AI indicates, it functions as a subject complement, describing an emotional state without strong intensity. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it strikes a neutral register, suitable for general conversation and writing while avoiding overt formality. When considering alternatives, phrases like "be quite disappointed" or "be fairly annoyed" offer similar sentiments with slightly different nuances. When writing, be mindful of overusing "pretty" as an intensifier; stronger or more specific alternatives may provide greater impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be quite disappointed

This alternative emphasizes a stronger feeling of letdown.

be sincerely disappointed

This emphasizes the honesty and authenticity of the letdown.

be rather displeased

This sounds more formal and subdued in expressing unhappiness.

be deeply frustrated

This indicates a significant level of exasperation and helplessness.

be fairly annoyed

This suggests a state of mild irritation.

be slightly irritated

This indicates a minimal level of frustration.

be considerably bothered

This implies that something is causing notable distress.

be somewhat aggrieved

This implies a sense of injustice or resentment.

be a bit miffed

This is a more colloquial and lighthearted way to express annoyance.

be genuinely saddened

This suggests a deeper emotional response of sorrow.

FAQs

How can I use "be pretty upset" in a sentence?

You can use "be pretty upset" to express a moderate level of disappointment or annoyance. For example, "I'll "be pretty upset" if the concert is cancelled."

What's a more formal alternative to "be pretty upset"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "be quite disappointed" or "be rather displeased" to convey your dissatisfaction.

Is "be pretty upset" appropriate for professional communication?

While "be pretty upset" is generally understandable, it might be perceived as slightly informal in professional settings. Depending on the context, choosing a more neutral or formal expression like "be somewhat concerned" could be more suitable.

What's the difference between "be pretty upset" and "be very upset"?

"Be pretty upset" suggests a moderate level of disappointment, whereas "be very upset" indicates a stronger, more intense feeling of displeasure. The choice depends on the degree of emotion you wish to express.