it is upsetting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is upsetting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express feelings of distress or discomfort regarding a situation or event. Example: "When I heard the news about the accident, I realized it is upsetting to think about the families affected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He tries and fails to look after a neighbour's querulous pet dog, which he has to return to its owner because it is upsetting his pet iguana, Igi.

The Guardian - Film

It is upsetting.

Independent

Grayling said: "Of course it is upsetting.

The Guardian

It is as exhausting as it is upsetting to witness.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We should be free, argued Mill, to speak our minds even if it is upsetting.

The Guardian - Opinion

Our Time of Day is Markham's account of the nightmare that engulfed them both, and it is upsetting.

The Guardian - Books

This particular meme has spread with unusual velocity – in part, I imagine, because the subject matter is just as weird as it is upsetting.

The Guardian - Opinion

This, it seems, is the first movie to be explicitly marketed around the disastrous life of its own star, making it an indictment of contemporary celebrity as funny as it is upsetting.

The Guardian - Film

Staff writer Ariel Levy kindly responded: I am just finishing Julia Child's "My Life In France," a book so delightful it is upsetting me to stop reading it long enough to type this sentence.

The New Yorker

"It is upsetting for everyone because the mosque has a large, loyal community and they are stunned and upset that one person can affect perceptions of the community.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The critique was absolutely correct it is upsetting to cast Chinese women in Japanese roles, especially given Japan's history of war crimes against China.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is upsetting" to express your personal reaction to an event or situation. For stronger emphasis, consider adding qualifiers like "deeply", "really", or "extremely".

Common error

While appropriate in many contexts, relying heavily on "it is upsetting" in formal reports or academic papers can sound less professional. Opt for more precise and nuanced vocabulary to convey the specific type of distress or concern. For example, use "it is distressing" or "it is troubling".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is upsetting" functions as a subjective expression of feeling or emotion. It communicates that something is causing distress or unhappiness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and suitable for expressing feelings of discomfort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is upsetting" serves as a common and grammatically correct way to express feelings of distress or unhappiness. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and suggests that it can be used to express feelings of discomfort. Its frequency is high, especially in news and media, indicating broad applicability. While versatile, remember to consider context and audience to choose the most appropriate level of formality and emotional intensity. For formal settings, more nuanced alternatives may be preferable. Overall, "it is upsetting" is a valuable tool for conveying personal reactions to events and situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is distressing

Highlights the causing of anxiety, sorrow, or pain.

it is disheartening

Emphasizes a loss of morale or enthusiasm; carries a stronger sense of disappointment.

it is painful

Focuses on the emotional or mental suffering caused.

it is disappointing

Focuses on unmet expectations; less intense than "upsetting".

it is troubling

Indicates concern or worry; suggests a problem needing attention.

it is perturbing

Indicates a disturbance or unsettlement.

it is regrettable

Expresses sorrow or remorse about something.

it is vexing

Implies frustration or annoyance.

it is unfortunate

Understates the negative impact; more polite or formal.

it is sad

A simpler and more direct expression of sorrow.

FAQs

What does "it is upsetting" mean?

The phrase "it is upsetting" means that something is causing feelings of distress, unhappiness, or disappointment.

How can I use "it is upsetting" in a sentence?

You can use "it is upsetting" to express your reaction to something. For example: "It is upsetting to see so much suffering in the world".

Which is a stronger alternative to "it is upsetting"?

If you want to express a stronger feeling, you could use phrases like ""it is distressing"" or "it is heartbreaking".

What is a more formal alternative to "it is upsetting"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "it is regrettable" or "it is unfortunate".