be really upset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be really upset" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a strong emotional reaction to a situation or event that causes distress or disappointment. Example: "If she doesn't get the promotion, she will be really upset about it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"I'll be really upset if he leaves".

The New York Times

We also practiced paraphrased reflections ("You must be really upset with your friend").

The New Yorker

Then, smiling, he added: "I would be really upset at him if he left to take a head coaching job, and I may just cut him strictly out of the will".

The New York Times - Sports

"We can take that person aside and kind of pull them in and say, 'Hey, you seem to be really upset in front of several hundred or thousand people.' " That might explain why some customers prefer Twittering over contacting customer service directly.

The New York Times - Travel

For him to finish second in a race is really bad, he would be really upset.

BBC

Now if they rip off my stripper-tip-calculator/cellphone voice disguiser, I'll be really upset.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

She was really upset.

The New York Times

He was really upset.

The Guardian - Arts

Daddy was really upset.

The Guardian - Travel

People are really upset.

The New York Times

"I'm really upset".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be really upset" to express a strong but common emotional response to negative situations. It's suitable for informal and neutral contexts.

Common error

While "be really upset" is acceptable in many situations, avoid it in highly formal writing. Opt for more professional alternatives like "be deeply concerned" or "be severely disappointed" for a stronger impact and greater appropriateness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be really upset" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying the subject with a description of their emotional state. It indicates a heightened degree of upset or distress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be really upset" is a common and grammatically correct way to express strong negative emotions, as validated by Ludwig AI. While suitable for most neutral and informal contexts, it should be used cautiously in formal settings, where more professional alternatives are preferred. Its frequent appearance in news and media sources demonstrates its widespread use in describing emotional reactions to various events. Remember to avoid the incorrect form "be really upsetted" and to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey when choosing among related phrases like "be extremely disappointed" or "be incredibly angry".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be extremely disappointed

Emphasizes the disappointment aspect, suggesting a sense of letdown or unfulfillment.

be truly devastated

Conveys a strong sense of being emotionally crushed or overwhelmed by grief.

be terribly saddened

Focuses on the sadness felt due to a particular event or situation.

be deeply frustrated

Stresses the frustration experienced when facing obstacles or unmet expectations.

be incredibly angry

Highlights the anger component, indicating a strong feeling of displeasure or resentment.

be greatly disturbed

Implies a state of unease or agitation caused by something unsettling.

be quite displeased

Offers a milder, more restrained way of expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance.

be profoundly affected

Highlights the significant emotional or psychological impact of an event.

be severely aggrieved

Indicates a more formal and profound sense of being wronged or offended.

be bitterly resentful

Focuses on the feeling of indignation and ill-will towards someone or something.

FAQs

What does "be really upset" mean?

The phrase "be really upset" means to experience a strong feeling of unhappiness, disappointment, or anger about something.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "be really upset"?

It is appropriate to use "be really upset" in informal and neutral contexts when you want to express a strong emotional reaction to something negative. It is best avoided in formal or highly professional settings.

What can I say instead of "be really upset"?

You can use alternatives like "be extremely disappointed", "be incredibly angry", or "be deeply frustrated" depending on the specific emotion you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "be really upsetted"?

No, "be really upsetted" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "be really upset". 'Upset' is already an adjective, so it doesn't need an '-ed' ending in this context.