grow upset

USAGE SUMMARY

"grow upset" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone has become angry or irritated. For example, "The long lines at the store made me grow upset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Straw began to grow upset.

The New Yorker

Peter begins to grow upset about Brian's age so he obtains another dog and names him New Brian.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

If these trends continue, the appeal of hard-line Islamists or other extremists may grow, upsetting all calculations about the loyalty of Yemen's military or its tribes.

The New York Times - Magazine

They grew upset with each other while trying to disengage, and started trading shoves.

The New York Times

Kudla said he grew upset at not being able to pressure his opponent.

The New York Times

Mr. Spitzer grew upset, according to a senior aide to Mr. Paterson and another official.

The New York Times

While on a run, she grew upset about an article that claimed she raced more for money than for medals.

The New York Times - Sports

His family does not fully understand that feeling and grows upset when he mentions it, he said.

The New York Times

On Sunday, Joe DiTomo, a volunteer driver for the players, said that Woods reportedly grew upset with the house and moved into a hotel.

The New York Times - Sports

They delighted in the beauty of the seacoast and the countryside, but grew upset as beggars and pimps tailed them in old Havana.

The New York Times

Fans have also grown upset at a perceived lack of action in the transfer market, while their midfielder Yohan Cabaye is coveted by Arsenal.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grow upset" to describe a gradual increase in feelings of displeasure or anger, rather than a sudden outburst.

Common error

Avoid using "grow upset" when a stronger term like "enraged" or "furious" is more appropriate, as "grow upset" suggests a milder, more gradual increase in negative feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow upset" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of becoming emotionally disturbed or displeased. It describes a gradual shift in emotional state. As per Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "grow upset" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a gradual increase in feelings of displeasure or anger. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. While not as frequent as some other emotional descriptors, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, consider the nuance of gradual emotional escalation that "grow upset" conveys and whether a stronger term might be more appropriate. Understanding these subtle distinctions will allow you to use the phrase with greater precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become agitated

Focuses on the physical manifestation of emotional distress.

become irritated

Implies a mild form of annoyance.

become frustrated

Highlights a feeling of being blocked or prevented from achieving something.

become annoyed

Indicates a state of slight anger or impatience.

get angry

Emphasizes the development of anger.

lose one's temper

Implies a sudden outburst of anger.

fly into a rage

Suggests an intense and uncontrolled burst of anger.

become exasperated

Highlights a state of extreme frustration and impatience.

boil over

Implies a build-up of anger that finally erupts.

flare up

Suggests a sudden and brief burst of anger.

FAQs

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

You can use "grow upset" to describe a gradual increase in feelings of displeasure. For example, "He began to "grow upset" when he realized his flight was delayed."

What are some alternatives to saying "grow upset"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "become agitated", "become irritated", or "get angry".

Is it correct to say "grew upset" instead of "grow upset"?

Yes, "grew upset" is the past tense form of "grow upset" and is perfectly correct. For example, "She "grew upset" when she heard the news."

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

"Grow upset" implies a gradual increase in negative feelings, while "be upset" simply indicates a state of being unhappy or displeased at a particular moment.