got very upset

USAGE SUMMARY

"got very upset" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe someone becoming extremely emotional or disturbed about something. Example: When she saw the damage to her car, she got very upset and started crying.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

I got very upset.

The New York Times

He got very upset.

The New Yorker

Pete came home and said: "Where's my checkered Le Creuset oven glove?", then got very upset.

The Guardian - Books

I got very upset over the Christian bombings that took place in Peshawar.

The Guardian - Opinion

I got very upset towards the end, wondering whether Eilis (Saoirse Ronan) had done the wrong thing.

The Guardian

Did he, in the years when Gebo kept rejecting his work, come close to giving up? "I got very upset.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

"I get very upset with the thought of the way a man's work is accepted and honored.

The New York Times - Magazine

And oh they get very upset.

The Guardian

"The people actively using the bugs get very upset when they die," wrote The Grugq.

The New York Times - Tech

I get very upset by just tiny glitches in prose style, and I get impatient.

The New York Times - Magazine

For others it's a matter of great regret and they get very upset.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's emotional state, consider the intensity and choose synonyms for "upset" that accurately reflect the depth of their feelings. For example, use "distraught" for a stronger reaction or "displeased" for a milder one.

Common error

While "got very upset" is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts, it can sound less sophisticated in formal writing. Opt for stronger, more precise verbs like "was dismayed", "was angered", or "was aggrieved" to convey the emotion with greater impact and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got very upset" functions as a verb phrase expressing an emotional reaction. It describes the act of becoming emotionally disturbed or distressed. Ludwig AI confirms this is a common and acceptable way to describe someone's emotional state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "got very upset" is a common and generally accepted way to describe someone experiencing emotional distress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's important to consider the specific context and audience. In more formal settings, stronger synonyms like "became distressed" or "was dismayed" may be preferable to convey the intensity and nature of the emotion with greater precision. Remember to use descriptive language to add nuance and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

took it very hard

Focuses on the emotional pain and difficulty in coping with the situation.

became extremely distressed

Replaces "upset" with a more formal synonym and emphasizes the intensity of the emotion.

was really bothered

Emphasizes the negative impact and preoccupation with the issue.

was deeply disturbed

Indicates a more profound emotional impact compared to simply being upset.

was extremely aggravated

Highlights the feeling of being annoyed and made worse.

was highly displeased

Focuses on the feeling of dissatisfaction and annoyance.

became infuriated

Suggests a stronger reaction of anger and rage.

reacted with great indignation

Highlights a sense of righteous anger and offense.

lost one's temper

Implies a sudden and uncontrolled outburst of anger.

was thrown into a fit of pique

Suggests a sudden display of irritation. Pique suggests a sudden feeling of annoyance.

FAQs

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

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

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

You can use alternatives like "became distressed", "was disturbed", or "was displeased" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "got very upset" or "became very upset"?

Both ""got very upset"" and "became very upset" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the desired tone and style.

What's the difference between "got very upset" and "got angry"?

"Got very upset" implies a broader range of negative emotions, including sadness, disappointment, or frustration. "Got angry" specifically refers to the feeling of anger or rage.