be upset over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be upset over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing feelings of sadness or disappointment regarding a specific situation or event. Example: "She tends to be upset over small misunderstandings that could easily be resolved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

South Africa is said to be upset over not getting the command.

The Economist

Somehow, it was comforting to be upset over something as trivial as rudeness again.

The New York Times - Travel

Although programmers in general here seem to be upset over the Sklyarov case, there are dissenting voices.

The New York Times

If anyone should be upset over two long wars that were put on the credit card, it should be the generation shedding the most blood in those conflicts.

The New York Times

Mr. Rachleff left no note, but he was said to be upset over his worsening eyesight and the possibility that he might lose his broker's license.

The New York Times

Parishioners said Monsignor Hamilton, one of three priests assigned to the church, had not appeared to be upset over his health or anything else.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Walsh was upset over that.

The New York Times - Sports

The public was upset over closed national monuments?

The New York Times

The whole school was upset over her loss.

The New Yorker

Shop employees were upset over planned changes in working hours.

The New York Times

Many members of the MIT community have been upset over the high rate.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be upset over" to express a specific cause of disappointment or sadness. It provides a clear connection between the emotion and its trigger.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "upset". Vary your language with synonyms like "displeased", "annoyed", or "aggravated" to make your writing more engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be upset over" functions as a verb phrase, expressing a state of emotional distress or displeasure regarding a specific situation or event. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be upset over" is a common and grammatically correct way to express feelings of disappointment or sadness regarding a specific event or situation. Ludwig AI validates its usability. While versatile, it's important to consider synonyms like "be annoyed by" or "be displeased with" to avoid repetition and add nuance to your writing. Remember to use the phrase to clearly connect the emotion with its specific cause for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be annoyed about

Changes the preposition from "over" to "about", slightly altering the focus of the emotion.

be displeased with

Replaces "upset" with a more formal synonym and uses "with" instead of "over".

take exception to

Expresses disagreement or resentment in a more formal or assertive way.

be aggravated by

Highlights the irritating aspect of the situation causing the emotion.

be resentful of

Suggests a feeling of bitterness or indignation about something.

be indignant at

Indicates a feeling of righteous anger or outrage.

feel aggrieved by

Implies a sense of having been wronged or unfairly treated.

frown upon

Expresses disapproval or dislike in a subtle or understated way.

object to

Indicates opposition or disapproval of something.

grumble about

Suggests complaining or expressing dissatisfaction in a low-key manner.

FAQs

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

Use "be upset over" to indicate that someone is experiencing negative emotions related to a specific event or situation. For example, "She might "be upset over" the cancelled plans".

What are some alternatives to "be upset over"?

You can use alternatives such as "be annoyed by", "be displeased with", or "take exception to" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "be upset over"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is commonly used. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples.

What's the difference between "be upset over" and "be upset about"?

While both phrases are similar, ""be upset over"" often implies a more direct and specific cause, whereas "be upset about" can be more general. For example, "He's upset over the broken vase" is more specific than "He's upset about the situation".