be upset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be upset" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a state of emotional distress or disappointment. Example: "She tends to be upset whenever she receives negative feedback on her work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Expect to be upset by upsetting events.

Stanford University

"We won't be upset".

The New Yorker

"Oh, don't be upset.

The New Yorker

He mustn't be upset".

The New Yorker

Would you be upset?

The New York Times

Our fans should be upset".

The New York Times - Sports

Your father would be upset".

The New Yorker

Mr Erdogan will be upset.

The Economist

I knew they'd be upset.

Independent

China would not be upset.

The Economist

That could be upset, however.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the intensity of the emotion you want to convey when choosing "be upset". It can range from mild annoyance to significant distress. Choose synonyms if the feeling is stronger or weaker.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid using "be upset" repeatedly. Instead, vary your language with more precise terms like "be disappointed", "feel aggrieved", or "express dissatisfaction" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

Be upset functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate adjective describing a temporary emotional state. Ludwig examples show it depicting feelings of sadness, disappointment, or anger. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage to denote a state of emotional distress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

13%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be upset" is a versatile and common way to describe a state of emotional distress, ranging from mild annoyance to significant disappointment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. While appropriate in many contexts, it's important to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and adapt to the formality of the situation. In more formal settings, consider alternatives such as "be disappointed" or "express concern". The extensive examples provided by Ludwig highlight its prevalence in news, media, and everyday communication, making it a valuable phrase to understand and use effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel distressed

Emphasizes a state of emotional suffering or pain, suggesting a deeper level of upset.

be disappointed

Highlights the feeling of sadness or dissatisfaction resulting from unmet expectations.

get annoyed

Suggests a milder form of being upset, focusing on irritation or impatience.

become irritated

Implies a gradual increase in frustration or anger, leading to a state of being upset.

be offended

Similar to "take offense", but describes the state of feeling insulted or disrespected.

grow angry

Focuses specifically on the development of anger as a response to a situation.

be disgruntled

Suggests a state of dissatisfaction and unhappiness, often due to a perceived injustice.

take offense

Indicates a feeling of insult or hurt pride, often in response to something said or done.

lose temper

Implies an uncontrolled outburst of anger, going beyond simply being upset.

become anxious

Indicates worry and unease about a situation, which may stem from being upset.

FAQs

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

You can use "be upset" to describe someone's emotional state after an unpleasant event. For example, "She will "be upset" if she doesn't get the promotion" or "He tends to "be upset" by criticism."

What's the difference between "be upset" and "be angry"?

"Be upset" is a broader term that encompasses a range of negative emotions, including sadness, disappointment, and annoyance. "Be angry" refers specifically to a feeling of strong displeasure or hostility.

What can I say instead of "be upset" in a formal context?

In formal situations, consider alternatives such as "be disappointed", "express concern", or "feel aggrieved" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it always appropriate to tell someone not to "be upset"?

While intended to be comforting, telling someone not to ""be upset"" can sometimes invalidate their feelings. It's often more helpful to acknowledge their emotions and offer support instead.