get cross with

USAGE SUMMARY

"get cross with" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to express that someone is being angry or irritated with someone else. For example, "My sister got cross with me because I ate the last piece of pie without asking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

She'd get cross with him for not keeping the apartment as tidy as she liked.

The New York Times - Magazine

Having said that, they do get cross with me, especially Joe.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even the chap from the property lobby was hard-pressed to get cross with her.

The Guardian

"I get cross with staff who don't come – the dressing up shows we care enough to make the effort".

The Guardian

I get cross with myself while I paint, but I would miss these conversations with the world more than anything if I ever stopped.

The Guardian - Arts

In "Girl Meets Boy," Smith tells us that Imogen used to get cross with her lexically ludic grandfather, because he was "always changing the words to things".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The barriers between species are not necessarily vast, unbridgeable chasms; sometimes they get crossed with marvelous results.

The New York Times - Science

It's a Danish book about two families who share a summer house in the countryside, and all kinds of lines and intimacies get crossed, with devastating results for both families.

The Guardian

"Sometimes he gets cross with me.

The Guardian - Film

Without getting cross with yourself for getting distracted.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nobody gets seriously cross with Johnny and he never gets cross with them.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get cross with" to describe a feeling of annoyance or irritation toward someone. It is more nuanced than simply saying someone is angry and often implies a temporary state.

Common error

Avoid using "get cross with" in situations requiring strong or formal language; it's more suitable for informal contexts. For formal situations, consider using "become angry with" or "express displeasure with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get cross with" functions as a verb phrase expressing the act of becoming annoyed or angry with someone. It is a common way to describe a temporary state of irritation. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get cross with" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that expresses becoming annoyed or irritated with someone. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While its register is generally neutral to informal, making it suitable for everyday conversations and news articles, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "become angry with". The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Wiki, suggesting its widespread use. When writing, remember that "get cross with" implies a temporary state of annoyance and consider the context to ensure appropriate tone and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become angry with

Formal alternative that indicates the start of an anger state.

get angry at

Expresses anger towards someone or something, using a different preposition.

get mad at

A more informal way to describe becoming angry.

become irritated with

Indicates a state of annoyance rather than intense anger.

lose patience with

Emphasizes the loss of tolerance or patience.

be displeased with

A more formal way of expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance.

disagree strongly with

Focuses on strong disagreement rather than emotional anger.

express displeasure with

Focuses on communicating dissatisfaction rather than feeling angry.

take offense at

Highlights the feeling of being insulted or aggrieved.

show resentment toward

Emphasizes a feeling of bitterness or indignation.

FAQs

How can I use "get cross with" in a sentence?

You can use "get cross with" to describe someone becoming annoyed or irritated with another person. For instance, "She will "get cross with" you if you don't do your chores".

What's a more formal alternative to "get cross with"?

For more formal situations, consider using phrases like "become angry with" or "express displeasure with".

Is "get cross with" appropriate for professional writing?

While grammatically correct, "get cross with" is generally better suited for informal communication. In professional writing, opt for more formal alternatives.

What's the difference between "get cross with" and "get angry with"?

"Get cross with" generally implies a milder, more temporary state of annoyance, while "get angry with" suggests a stronger and possibly more lasting emotion.