have been angry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been angry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of anger that has persisted over a period of time up to the present moment. Example: "I have been angry since I heard the news about the unfair decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Russians have been angry before.

The New York Times

People here have been angry and frustrated.

The New York Times - Arts

Few would have been angry.

The Washington Post

I would have been angry.

The New Yorker

"I shouldn't have been angry that much.

The New Yorker

There have been angry C.I.A. books before.

The New York Times - Books

I should have been angry with him, but I wasn't.

The Guardian

Her daughter would have been angry, Wilson said.

The Washington Post

"I was heartbroken, but I should have been angry.

The Guardian - Music

"I must have been angry with my mother.

The New York Times - Books

"He would have been angry and in despair".

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been angry" to describe a continuous state of anger over a period. For instance, "They have been angry since the new policy was announced" indicates ongoing discontent.

Common error

Avoid using "have been angry" to describe a single, isolated incident of anger. Instead, use simpler past tenses like "was angry" or "became angry" to denote one-time occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been angry" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of anger that has persisted over a period of time leading up to the present. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have been angry" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a sustained emotional state, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it effectively conveys a continuous feeling of anger, often stemming from specific events or situations. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects an ongoing state rather than a singular instance of anger. While versatile, consider alternatives like "have felt anger" or "have been upset" for nuanced meanings. It's important to maintain tense consistency and avoid using it for isolated events. Proper usage strengthens clarity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have felt anger

Focuses on the experience of feeling anger rather than just being in a state of anger.

have been furious

Signifies a higher intensity of anger compared to simply "angry".

have been upset

Indicates a state of emotional distress, which can include anger but isn't limited to it.

have been enraged

Conveys a sudden and intense burst of anger.

have been indignant

Implies anger mixed with a sense of injustice or offense.

have seethed with anger

Suggests a suppressed, intense form of anger.

have harbored resentment

Highlights the long-term holding of angry feelings.

have been incensed

Suggests a feeling of outrage and anger, often due to something unjust.

have held a grudge

Emphasizes maintaining anger and bitterness towards someone for a past offense.

have expressed outrage

Focuses on the outward expression of anger.

FAQs

What does "have been angry" mean?

The phrase "have been angry" indicates a state of anger that has persisted over a period of time, continuing up to the present moment. It suggests a sustained feeling rather than a fleeting emotion.

How can I use "have been angry" in a sentence?

You can use "have been angry" to describe how someone has felt over time. For example, "I "have been angry" since I heard the news", or "They "have been angry" about the changes for weeks".

What are some alternatives to saying "have been angry"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "have felt anger", "have been upset", or "have been furious".

Is it correct to say "have been angry at" someone?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. You can use "have been angry at" to express that someone has been feeling angry towards a specific person. For example, "I "have been angry" at him for his actions".