become upset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become upset" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a change in emotional state, typically when someone starts to feel unhappy or angry about something. Example: "When she heard the news, she began to become upset and needed some time to process her feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When it does not, we become upset.

The New York Times

"We don't let ourselves become upset or disturbed.

The New Yorker

Sheila had become upset, and couldn't be found to cut the cake.

The New Yorker

In college, Friberg tended to go for broke on every shot and become upset when the outcome was not perfect.

The New York Times - Sports

Peter agreed that he had become upset, especially when he sensed he was being accused of misleading his colleagues.

The New Yorker

(Mr. Morris does not become upset when the candidates spend their time attacking him, rather than Mr. Hevesi).

The New York Times

Mr. Vermeulen said that some doctors had become upset at meetings where he discussed the sample ban.

The New York Times

Even many broad-minded liberal Muslims become upset when the historical veracity and authenticity of the Koran is questioned.

The New York Times - Arts

Her son, whom she acknowledged had a violent nature, had become upset in the aftermath of a row with neighbours.

The Guardian

Li appeared to become upset with some of the Chinese spectators in the crowd in the third set, and asked the chair umpire to intervene.

Independent

Worse, one of the program's financiers has become upset because there was to be a woman on the show — unchaste behavior, to some.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, choose "become upset" to indicate a process or transition into a state of unhappiness or anger. It's particularly effective when describing a change in someone's emotional state over time.

Common error

While "become upset" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "grow concerned", "feel aggrieved", or "register dissatisfaction" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become upset" functions as a verb phrase indicating a change in emotional state. It describes the process of transitioning into a state of unhappiness, anger, or distress. As Ludwig AI confirm, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

34%

Science

11%

Less common in

Huffington Post

8%

The New Yorker

2%

Independent

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become upset" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the process of someone transitioning into a negative emotional state. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a correct and usable phrase. The phrase sees widespread use across various contexts, including News & Media and Wiki entries, denoting its versatility. While "become upset" is generally acceptable, writers should consider the formality of their writing and choose alternatives when a more sophisticated or precise tone is required. Keep in mind that "become upset" is a general phrase so if you want to focus your intent is best to use: "feel distressed", "get agitated", or "become frustrated".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel distressed

Emphasizes a state of suffering or pain.

become frustrated

Highlights a feeling of being thwarted or blocked.

grow irritated

Highlights a gradual increase in annoyance or frustration.

get agitated

Focuses on increased restlessness and anxiety, suggesting a more active form of becoming upset.

lose one's composure

Highlights a loss of emotional control.

grow anxious

Focuses on increased worry and unease.

turn sour

Implies a shift in mood to bitterness or negativity.

get worked up

Implies a state of excitement or agitation, often leading to stress.

descend into despair

Suggests a gradual decline into hopelessness and sadness.

fly into a rage

Expresses a sudden and intense outburst of anger.

FAQs

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

You can use "become upset" to describe someone's emotional reaction to a situation. For example: "She began to "become upset" when she heard the news."

What are some alternatives to "become upset"?

You can use alternatives like "feel distressed", "get agitated", or "become frustrated" depending on the specific emotion you want to convey.

Is it better to say "become upset" or "get upset"?

Both "become upset" and "get upset" are grammatically correct and commonly used. "Become upset" might sound slightly more formal, but the difference is minimal. The best choice depends on the overall tone and style of your writing.

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

"Become upset" is a more general term that encompasses a range of negative emotions, while "become angry" specifically refers to the feeling of anger. Someone who "become upset" might feel sad, anxious, or frustrated, whereas someone who "become angry" is experiencing a more specific emotion.