feel very upset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel very upset" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing strong emotions of sadness or distress in response to a situation. Example: "After hearing the news, I couldn't help but feel very upset about what had happened."

✓ Grammatically correct

Personal expression

News reporting

Emotional response

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It's important not to bottle up strong feelings, so if you feel very upset, then consider emailing them, or telling them in person.

WikiHow

"I feel very upset about it," Ms. Palanco said.

The New York Times

It made me feel very upset and a bit scared of being blown up myself.

The Guardian - Travel

It makes me feel very upset to hear a young man with a young family has been brainwashed and done this.

The Guardian

When I focused I could just about catch what he was whispering, phrases like: "I wonder where my sister is," "go to the commissary," "I feel very upset and alone".

The New York Times - Arts

I feel very upset about what happened, but generally regarding Benjamin's reaction of self-defense, he was really a sort of a domesticated wild animal, but he had a wild reaction of self-preservation when he felt threatened.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"As a Jew, I felt very upset about it".

The New York Times

"I felt very upset by it," she said.

Independent

Mark suddenly felt very upset, staring at the five bikes in the splashing rain.

The New Yorker

"After yesterday I felt very upset, but this is nice," a receptionist muses.

The Guardian

Hopkins remembered long afterward that when the inning was over, "I suddenly felt very upset and tears began to roll down my face".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. While "feel very upset" is generally understood, alternatives may better capture the specific emotion you're experiencing.

Common error

While "feel very upset" is acceptable in many contexts, overuse in formal or academic writing might diminish the impact. Instead, consider more precise alternatives like "feel extremely distressed" or "be deeply aggrieved".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel very upset" functions primarily as a verb phrase expressing a state of emotion. It combines the verb "feel" with an intensifier "very" and the adjective "upset" to describe the intensity of the emotion. Ludwig examples show its usage in conveying personal sentiments and reactions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel very upset" is a common and grammatically correct way to express strong feelings of sadness or distress. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's frequently used in news reporting, personal expression, and emotional responses, and while acceptable in most contexts, it may be beneficial to consider more precise alternatives in formal writing. While "feel very upset" is generally understood, alternatives such as "feel deeply saddened" or "feel extremely disappointed" may better capture the specific emotion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel utterly devastated

Suggests a complete and overwhelming emotional collapse.

feel deeply saddened

Emphasizes the depth of sadness experienced.

feel terribly distressed

Highlights the severe mental or emotional suffering.

feel extremely disappointed

Focuses on the disappointment aspect of being upset.

feel profoundly disturbed

Indicates a significant disruption to one's peace of mind.

feel intensely sorrowful

Emphasizes the profound sadness and regret.

feel greatly disheartened

Stresses the loss of enthusiasm and hope.

be severely troubled

Highlights the persistent worry and anxiety.

be deeply aggrieved

Implies a sense of injustice or being wronged.

feel quite aggrieved

Expresses a moderate sense of resentment or offense.

FAQs

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

You can use "feel very upset" to express your emotional reaction to a situation. For example: "After hearing the news, I couldn't help but feel very upset about what had happened."

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

You can use alternatives like "feel deeply saddened", "feel extremely disappointed", or "feel terribly distressed" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "feel very upset" in formal writing?

While acceptable, "feel very upset" might be perceived as less impactful in formal contexts. Consider using alternatives with stronger emotional connotations like "feel profoundly disturbed" or "be deeply aggrieved".

What is the difference between "feel very upset" and "feel slightly upset"?

"Feel very upset" indicates a stronger emotional response compared to "feel slightly upset". The word "very" intensifies the feeling of being upset, suggesting a more significant level of distress.