it might upset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it might upset" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a possibility that something may cause distress or discomfort to someone. Example: "I want to be honest with you, but I’m concerned that it might upset you."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

It might upset people.

Independent

But, of course, it might upset the kids.

The Guardian - Opinion

Being assertive might ruffle feathers, and it might upset the planned agenda.

The New York Times

It might upset my mother/children/friends/partner/colleagues or, indeed, my readers.

Independent

Charlie Rose Larry Kingg said, I will not do it, it might upset Oprah.

The New York Times - Magazine

Imagine how much it might upset the neighbors -- reason enough to see it through.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

I'm always worried I might upset someone.

The Guardian

They are afraid, probably rightly, that poetry - any art - if they take it hard, might upset them - so they pretend they like it while at the same time they resist it absolutely".

The Guardian - Books

They want to avoid anything that might upset it, and evidently fear that his statements might do so.

The New York Times

He had had sufficient war in the first years of his reign, and in its last twenty years, he sought to preserve the status quo, not to enter into risky adventures that might upset it.

Wikipedia

It has war scenes that might upset children.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for neutrality, consider using "it might upset" to acknowledge potential negative reactions without assigning blame or making strong claims. It allows for a balanced perspective, especially in sensitive discussions.

Common error

Be mindful of overuse in persuasive writing as excessive hedging with phrases like "it might upset" can weaken your argument. Strive for a balance between acknowledging potential negative reactions and confidently presenting your viewpoint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it might upset" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a possibility or likelihood that something could cause emotional distress or displeasure. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is widely used to soften statements and show consideration for others' feelings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it might upset" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate the potential for something to cause distress or displeasure. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and wide application across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When considering alternatives, it's important to select a phrase that accurately reflects the intended nuance, whether it's a mild annoyance (e.g., ""it could bother"") or a more significant emotional impact (e.g., "it may distress"). Using "it might upset" strategically allows writers to navigate sensitive topics with consideration and balance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could disturb

Changes 'might' to 'could', suggesting a slightly lower probability, and 'upset' to 'disturb', implying a milder form of emotional distress.

it may offend

Replaces 'upset' with 'offend', focusing specifically on causing offense or indignation.

it could bother

Substitutes 'upset' with 'bother', indicating a lighter degree of annoyance or worry.

it might displease

Replaces 'upset' with 'displease', suggesting a formal and mild form of dissatisfaction.

it could unsettle

Substitutes 'upset' with 'unsettle', emphasizing a sense of unease or anxiety.

it may agitate

Replaces 'upset' with 'agitate', suggesting a stronger sense of disturbance or irritation.

it might perturb

Substitutes 'upset' with 'perturb', implying a formal and perhaps intellectual disturbance.

it could disquiet

Replaces 'upset' with 'disquiet', emphasizing a loss of peace or tranquility.

it may distress

Replaces 'upset' with 'distress', indicating a significant level of emotional suffering.

it might provoke

Replaces 'upset' with 'provoke', focusing on inciting a reaction, often negative.

FAQs

How can I use "it might upset" in a sentence?

You can use "it might upset" to express the possibility that something could cause someone to feel sad, angry, or uncomfortable. For example, "I'm hesitant to share my opinion because "it might upset" some people."

What are some alternatives to "it might upset"?

Alternatives include "it could disturb", "it may offend", or "it could bother". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it might upset" formal or informal?

"It might upset" is generally considered neutral. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "it might displease" exist.

What's the difference between "it might upset" and "it will upset"?

"It might upset" expresses a possibility, whereas "it will upset" expresses a certainty. Using "it might upset" indicates uncertainty about the outcome, while "it will upset" indicates a confident prediction.