be upset by it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be upset by it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a reaction to something that causes emotional distress or disappointment. Example: "She tends to be upset by it when her friends cancel plans at the last minute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

But I don't think people -- I think it's going to be hard to take, but I don't necessarily know that people are going to be upset by it.

The New York Times

The girls' parents were killed in an accident, which is alluded to so quickly and discreetly that it may not register with the very young viewers most likely to be upset by it.

The New York Times

However, Mr. Sandler and his team ultimately returned to a draft that did not disguise the political subject matter, believing that some filmgoers would be upset by it no matter how subtle their approach.

The New York Times

"If someone wants to come and throw that word at me in the street, I would be upset by it and if I thought Tottenham fans were using it offensively then I would be campaigning shoulder to shoulder with David Baddiel and others to stop them using it.

BBC

You would be upset by it.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

They were upset by it".

The Guardian

Just to upset anyone that was upset by it.

The Guardian - Music

"And I was upset by it and surprised by it.

The Guardian - Books

We are upset by it but we are quite happy to move on.

The Guardian - Sport

Kelly: "The characters themselves were upset by it…" Horgan: "The cat was also very terminally ill".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be upset by it", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For example, "She was upset by the criticism" is clearer than "She was upset by it" if the criticism wasn't previously mentioned.

Common error

While acceptable in general use, "be upset by it" can sound less formal. In professional or academic writing, consider stronger, more precise alternatives like "be concerned by it", "be disturbed by it", or "be disappointed by it" for a more impactful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be upset by it" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes the state of being emotionally affected or disturbed by something. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be upset by it" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that someone is experiencing negative emotions due to a specific event or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's suitable for general communication, consider using more precise alternatives in formal writing to enhance clarity and impact. Remember to clearly define what "it" refers to, to avoid ambiguity. Understanding the context and choosing appropriate alternatives can significantly improve your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be bothered by it

Replaces "upset" with "bothered", indicating a feeling of mild annoyance or concern.

feel hurt by it

Replaces "upset" with "hurt", indicating emotional pain or distress.

be disturbed by it

Uses "disturbed" instead of "upset", suggesting a stronger feeling of unease or anxiety.

be troubled by it

Substitutes "upset" with "troubled", implying a state of worry or concern.

find it upsetting

Changes the structure to use "upsetting" as an adjective, describing the thing causing the distress.

be aggrieved by it

Replaces "upset" with "aggrieved", indicating a feeling of resentment or injustice.

be displeased by it

Substitutes "upset" with "displeased", conveying a sense of dissatisfaction or disapproval.

take offense to it

Uses "take offense" to convey a feeling of being insulted or hurt.

not take it well

Employs an idiomatic expression indicating a poor emotional response.

react negatively to it

Uses a more general term, "negatively", to describe an unfavorable response.

FAQs

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

You can use "be upset by it" to describe someone's negative emotional reaction to something. For example: "She tends to "be upset by it" when her friends cancel plans at the last minute."

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

You can use alternatives like "feel hurt by it", "be bothered by it", or "find it upsetting" depending on the context.

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

The phrase "be upset by it" is suitable for general conversation and informal writing. However, in formal or professional contexts, you might consider using more precise alternatives.

Which is correct: "be upset by it" or "being upset by it"?

Both phrases can be correct depending on the sentence structure. "Be upset by it" is often used in commands or suggestions (e.g., "Don't "be upset by it""). "Being upset by it" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun (e.g., "Being upset by it is a natural reaction").