be upset by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be upset by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing that someone is affected emotionally by a particular event or situation. Example: "She tends to be upset by criticism, even when it's constructive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Nothing to be upset by.

The Guardian - Music

I didn't think anyone would be upset by it".

The Guardian

So the entire thing will be upset by this decision".

The Guardian - Sport

I can guarantee that someone, somewhere will be upset by this.

The Guardian

He just couldn't understand why anyone would be upset by "The Idiot President".

The New Yorker

He does not think United's dressing room will be upset by Rooney's wish to leave.

Independent

But those expectations could be upset by an unexpected force: the Tea Party.

The New York Times

Why might the citizens of other Arab countries be upset by the Sheik's death?

The New York Times

AGES 3-6 -- Some will be upset by the ropings, wild escapes and impending disasters.

The New York Times

He expected his mother to be upset by his portrait of her mother - and she was.

The Guardian

AGES 3-6 -- Some viewers may be upset by the poaching and other mildly intense situations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the intensity of the emotion you want to convey. If the emotion is mild, alternatives like "be bothered by" or "be annoyed by" might be more appropriate.

Common error

In formal writing, "be upset by" can sometimes sound too informal. Consider using stronger or more precise alternatives like "be disturbed by" or "be aggrieved by" to convey a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be upset by" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating a state of emotional distress or displeasure experienced by the subject as a result of something. Ludwig's examples showcase its use across various contexts to express emotional reactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be upset by" is a versatile expression used to convey emotional distress or displeasure caused by a specific event or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. The examples from various sources demonstrate its applicability across different contexts, from news and media to scientific and general content. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives when necessary. Common errors include overuse in formal writing where stronger, more precise language might be preferable. Related phrases offer nuanced variations for expressing similar emotions, allowing for more precise communication. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively and accurately convey emotional responses in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be bothered by

Implies a sense of mild annoyance or disturbance, less intense than being upset.

be saddened by

Indicates a feeling of sorrow or unhappiness, often due to loss or disappointment.

be disturbed by

Suggests a disruption of peace or tranquility, often implying a more profound emotional impact.

be troubled by

Implies a state of worry or anxiety, often due to difficult circumstances or concerns.

be annoyed by

Indicates a feeling of irritation or mild anger, typically less severe than being upset.

be dismayed by

Suggests a feeling of disappointment or discouragement, often due to unexpected setbacks or failures.

be offended by

Implies a feeling of insult or outrage, often due to something considered disrespectful or inappropriate.

be irritated by

Indicates a feeling of annoyance or impatience, often due to minor inconveniences or frustrations.

be aggrieved by

Suggests a feeling of injustice or resentment, often due to unfair treatment or circumstances.

be vexed by

Implies a state of frustration or annoyance, often due to complex or perplexing problems.

FAQs

What does "be upset by" mean?

The phrase "be upset by" means to experience emotional distress, annoyance, or displeasure as a result of something. It indicates that a person is feeling unhappy or disturbed due to a particular event or situation.

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

You can use alternatives like "be bothered by", "be annoyed by", or "be disturbed by" depending on the context. The choice depends on the intensity and nature of the emotional reaction.

How do I use "be upset by" in a sentence?

You can use "be upset by" in a sentence to indicate the cause of someone's emotional distress. For example, "She was upset by the news" or "He tends to be upset by criticism".

Is "be upset by" formal or informal?

"Be upset by" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might prefer more precise alternatives like "be aggrieved by" or "be dismayed by" to convey a stronger or more nuanced meaning.