it was very upsetting

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "It was very upsetting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this sentence to describe any event or experience that caused emotional distress. For example, "The news about my grandmother's stroke was very upsetting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

After being played the Prime Minister's comments, Mrs Duffy, looking surprised and upset, said she was "very disappointed", adding it was "very upsetting".

Independent

"It was very upsetting".

The New York Times

"It was very upsetting," she says.

The New Yorker

It was very upsetting for our daughter.

The Guardian

"It was very upsetting," Cottrell said.

The New York Times - Sports

I persevered, but it was very upsetting.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

"It's very upsetting, and the people are very upset.

BBC

If it is very upsetting to you when you see your child upset or anxious, try to calm yourself down, and trust that they will be okay.

Huffington Post

Yeah, it's very upsetting.

The Guardian

It's very upsetting and disappointing".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's very upsetting," Ms. Paiva said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an event as "it was very upsetting", provide specific details to illustrate the cause and nature of the emotional distress. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it was very upsetting" as a standalone statement without explaining why something was upsetting. Always provide context or details to make the statement meaningful to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was very upsetting" functions as a subject complement, describing the emotional state or reaction to a particular event or situation. It provides information about the subject ("it") and expresses a feeling of distress. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was very upsetting" is a common and grammatically correct way to express feelings of distress or disappointment, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase functions as a subject complement, conveying the emotional impact of a situation. While generally neutral in tone, formal contexts may benefit from more precise language. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to provide context and specifics about why something was upsetting. Consider related phrases like "it was very distressing" or "it was very troubling" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was very disturbing

This alternative emphasizes the unsettling nature of the event.

it was very distressing

This alternative highlights the emotional suffering caused.

it was really upsetting

Adds emphasis to the upsetting nature of the situation.

it was quite upsetting

Slightly softens the intensity of the feeling.

it was very painful

Focuses on the emotional or psychological hurt experienced.

it was very troubling

Indicates that something is causing worry or anxiety.

it was very shocking

Highlights the unexpected and jarring nature of the event.

it was particularly upsetting

Emphasizes that the event was more upsetting than usual.

it was very irritating

Suggests a feeling of annoyance or frustration.

it was very tedious

Describes the causing of boredom or slowness

FAQs

How can I use "it was very upsetting" in a sentence?

You can use "it was very upsetting" to describe an event or situation that caused emotional distress. For example, "Hearing the news about the layoffs, "it was very upsetting" to learn that so many colleagues would be affected."

What are some alternatives to saying "it was very upsetting"?

Alternatives include "it was very distressing", "it was very troubling", or "it was very shocking", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was very upsetting" too informal for professional writing?

While "it was very upsetting" is generally acceptable, in more formal contexts, consider using stronger or more precise language like "it was deeply concerning" or "it was highly distressing" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "it was upsetting" and "it was very upsetting"?

Adding "very" intensifies the feeling. "It was upsetting" indicates a general feeling of distress, while ""it was very upsetting"" suggests a stronger, more significant emotional impact.