most upset about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most upset about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express the idea that someone is particularly troubled or distressed by something. For example, "I was most upset about not being able to attend my friend's wedding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

It's Facebook who's most upset about this story," he said.

The Guardian - Tech

A real nun?' What they are most upset about is chastity.

The New York Times

"No, I didn't get a chance, and I think that's what I'm most upset about," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

While these opponents are against the drug testing part of the plan, they seem most upset about the projected hike in malpractice awards.

University of California, Berkeley

He added: "When you put yourself in a situation that you can control and it hurts your team, that's what I was most upset about.

The New York Times - Sports

As Napolitano reminded the lawmakers more than once, many of the things they were most upset about were based on policies that predated the Obama administration.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

People were most upset, though, about one more rarely used program and its administration: the Mortgage and Rental Assistance Program, which covers up to 18 months of mortgage or rent payments for anyone who lost income "as a result" of a disaster.

The New York Times

It seems more likely, however, that what most upset the French about this affair is how it has devalued a different institution — the presidency — which the French respect even more.

The New York Times

"The kids whose parents are in detention tend to be quieter, more withdrawn, but some of the kids who are most upset, who are outspoken about it, or crying, aren't even the ones whose parents were arrested.

The New Yorker

ENLARGE Bloomberg News What gets me most upset is two other things about this argument: the unfair way taxes are collected, and the violation of the implicit social contract between me and my government that my taxes will be spent effectively and efficiently on purposes that support the general needs of the country.

The New York Times

What most upset the AFM – and who'd believe this? – were Ed's harsh words about Iraq.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "most upset about", ensure that the context clearly defines the cause of the upset. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "most upset about" for minor inconveniences; reserve it for situations causing genuine distress or significant disappointment. Using it inappropriately can diminish the impact of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most upset about" functions as an adjective phrase modifying an implied subject, expressing a state of emotional distress regarding a specific cause or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a standard construction for conveying disappointment or annoyance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

16%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "most upset about" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express significant disappointment or distress regarding a specific cause. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the reason for the upset to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "most bothered by" or "most annoyed by" can be used to convey similar but slightly different levels of emotional intensity. The phrase’s frequent appearance in authoritative sources, as shown by the examples, underscores its reliability in standard English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most bothered by

Uses 'bothered' instead of 'upset', suggesting a milder form of annoyance.

most annoyed by

Replaces 'upset' with 'annoyed', indicating a feeling of irritation.

most disturbed by

Employs 'disturbed', suggesting a deeper sense of unease or agitation.

most aggravated by

Utilizes 'aggravated', implying a feeling of being made worse or more intense.

most displeased with

Substitutes 'upset' with 'displeased', indicating dissatisfaction or disapproval.

most indignant about

Replaces 'upset' with 'indignant', suggesting anger or resentment at perceived unfairness.

most aggrieved by

Uses 'aggrieved', implying a feeling of having been wronged or unfairly treated.

most vexed by

Employs 'vexed', suggesting a feeling of being annoyed, frustrated, or worried.

most resentful of

Replaces 'upset' with 'resentful', indicating a feeling of bitterness or indignation.

most agitated about

Utilizes 'agitated', implying a state of anxiety or nervous excitement.

FAQs

How can I use "most upset about" in a sentence?

You can use "most upset about" to express strong feelings of disappointment or distress, such as "I was "most upset about" the cancellation of the event".

What's a good alternative to "most upset about"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "most bothered by", "most annoyed by", or "most disturbed by".

Is it correct to say "most upset at" instead of "most upset about"?

While "upset at" can be used, "most upset about" is generally preferred when specifying the cause of the distress. "Upset at" is more commonly used to indicate anger towards a person.

What's the difference between "most upset about" and "slightly upset about"?

"Most upset about" indicates a significant level of distress, while "slightly upset about" suggests only a mild level of disappointment. The former implies a stronger emotional reaction than the latter.