be very upset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be very 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: "When she heard the news about the cancellation of the event, she began to be very upset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'd be very upset.

Independent

Would you be very upset?

The New York Times

He is going to be very upset.

The New York Times

"He will be very upset.

The Guardian

"Parents will be very upset," Mr. Muller said.

The New York Times

"There's a Person Back Home who would be very upset".

The Guardian - Books

"A lot of conservatives would be very upset.

The New York Times

"The behavior caused other children to be very upset".

The New York Times

She appeared to be very upset, and began to cry.

The New Yorker

If not, some of Citi's customers will be very upset.

The New York Times

"My family would be very upset," he said.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be very upset", ensure the context clearly indicates the cause of the emotional distress. For example, "She will be very upset if she misses the deadline."

Common error

Avoid using "very" excessively in your writing. While "be very upset" is acceptable, consider stronger, more descriptive words like "devastated" or "distraught" to add impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be very upset" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of a subject. It conveys a strong negative emotion, indicating a significant level of distress or disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be very upset" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a significant level of unhappiness or distress. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "be extremely disappointed" or "be deeply saddened" can provide nuance, "be very upset" serves as a versatile and easily understood way to convey negative emotion. Avoid overusing "very" and consider stronger synonyms for greater impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be deeply affected

Focuses on the profound impact something has had on one's emotions.

be extremely disappointed

Emphasizes the feeling of disappointment as a primary emotion.

be devastated

Highlights a feeling of being overwhelmed by shock or grief.

be deeply saddened

Focuses on the sadness experienced as a result of something.

feel heartbroken

Emphasizes emotional pain, especially after a loss or disappointment.

be greatly distressed

Highlights the feeling of mental or emotional suffering.

be inconsolable

Highlights the inability to be comforted or cheered up.

be terribly frustrated

Focuses on the feeling of being blocked or prevented from achieving something.

be beside oneself with grief

Describes a state of extreme sorrow and agitation.

be furious

Indicates a state of intense anger.

FAQs

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

You can use "be very upset" to describe someone's strong negative emotional reaction to an event. For example, "He will be very upset if he doesn't get the job."

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

You can use alternatives like "be extremely disappointed", "be deeply saddened", or "be devastated" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "be very upsetted"?

No, "upsetted" is not a standard English word. The correct phrase is "be very upset". Using "upsetted" is a common grammatical error.

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

"Be upset" indicates a general feeling of unhappiness or disappointment. "Be very upset" intensifies this feeling, suggesting a stronger emotional reaction.