it's upsetting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it's upsetting" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express that something is causing someone to feel unhappy or disturbed. Example: When I found out that I didn't get the job I interviewed for, it was really upsetting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The narrator's lover, also unnamed, is beautiful, and the sex is thrilling — even when it's upsetting.

The New York Times - Books

Of course it's upsetting.

The New York Times

When you face 30 children each day and one is slipping through, it's upsetting.

The New York Times

I share those feelings, I think it's upsetting.

BBC

It's upsetting.

The New York Times

She added: "It's upsetting.

Huffington Post

Quit whinging about it on Twitter, because it's upsetting.

Vice

People make jokes that hurt your feelings, even if you say that it's upsetting you.

WikiHow

"Usually it's upsetting for students".

The Guardian - Books

"It's very hard, it's upsetting," Revis said of the way the game's current structure undermines his side of the ball.

The New Yorker

And then I see its old fashioned here and that really, it's upsetting".

BMC Nursing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it's upsetting", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to, preventing ambiguity. For example, "The news is upsetting" is clearer than simply saying "it's upsetting" without prior context.

Common error

While expressing feelings is important, avoid simply stating "it's upsetting" without offering any potential solutions or ways to cope with the situation. Provide constructive feedback or suggest actions to improve the situation to add more value to your communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's upsetting" functions as a subjective expression, indicating a personal feeling of displeasure or distress in response to a particular event or situation. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used to express negative emotional reactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it's upsetting" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey a feeling of unhappiness or distress. As confirmed by Ludwig, it finds common usage across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media. While versatile, clarity is improved by explicitly stating what "it" refers to. For alternatives, consider "it's disheartening" or "it's distressing" to add nuance. When expressing your feelings with "it's upsetting", aim to offer constructive insights or possible solution as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's saddening

This directly expresses the feeling of sorrow or unhappiness.

it's distressing

This term conveys a deeper level of emotional suffering or anguish.

it's disheartening

This alternative emphasizes the loss of hope or enthusiasm caused by the situation.

it's unfortunate

This highlights the bad luck or negative consequences associated with the situation.

it's disappointing

This term focuses on the unmet expectations and the resulting feeling of letdown.

it's frustrating

This highlights the feeling of being blocked or hindered, leading to impatience and annoyance.

it's disturbing

This emphasizes the unsettling or alarming nature of the situation.

it's aggravating

This emphasizes the persistent irritation caused by the situation.

it's regrettable

This term indicates a sense of sorrow or remorse about the situation.

it's vexing

This suggests a mild form of annoyance or irritation.

FAQs

What does "it's upsetting" mean?

"It's upsetting" means that something is causing someone to feel unhappy, disturbed, or distressed. It expresses a negative emotional reaction to a situation or event.

How can I use "it's upsetting" in a sentence?

You can use "it's upsetting" to express your feelings about a situation. For example, "It's upsetting to see so much suffering in the world" or "It's upsetting that the project was canceled".

What are some alternatives to saying "it's upsetting"?

You can use alternatives like "it's disheartening", "it's disappointing", or "it's distressing" to express similar feelings with slightly different nuances.

Is "it's upsetting" formal or informal?

"It's upsetting" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal situations might benefit from more precise or nuanced language depending on the specific context.