obviously upset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obviously upset" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is clearly showing signs of being upset or distressed, often in a situation where their emotions are apparent to others. Example: "When she received the news, she was obviously upset, her eyes welling with tears."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

However, environmentalists are obviously upset by this.

The Economist

He is obviously upset with the way he is playing.

Independent

If so, that'll obviously upset Ben Olsen's roster.

The Guardian - Sport

"My client is obviously upset," Ms. Mojaddidi said.

The New York Times

The tone was light-hearted, but she was obviously upset.

The Guardian - Tech

Hearing his teacher's joke, the student left the room, obviously upset, according to the internal document.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

"It's obviously upsetting.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Caruso hasn't endorsed Mr. Torres, but his vitriolic speeches are obviously upsetting the Democratic Party faithful.

The New York Times

He described reports in the New York press as "hyperventilation" and said that the images, while obviously upsetting for many New Yorkers, lacked credibility.

The New York Times

I was watching yesterday, and her heartbreak was obviously upsetting.

Huffington Post

Bob has just been angrily dismissed by Betty and he doesn't know why but it obviously upsets him.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obviously upset" to clearly convey that someone's distress is easily noticeable. This can help set the tone or provide context in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "obviously upset" when the context already makes it clear that the person is upset. Redundancy can weaken your writing. Instead, focus on showing the emotion through actions or dialogue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obviously upset" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone's emotional state. Ludwig examples show it being used to indicate that a person is visibly showing signs of being distressed or unhappy.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

7%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obviously upset" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone whose distress is readily apparent. Ludwig AI indicates that it is frequently used in news and media to convey the emotional state of individuals in various situations. While effective, it's important to consider the context and avoid redundancy by using other descriptive language to enhance the reader's understanding. Alternatives like "visibly distressed" or "clearly distraught" can offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

visibly distressed

Emphasizes the outward signs of distress being apparent.

clearly distraught

Highlights a state of deep emotional upset and agitation.

plainly agitated

Focuses on visible restlessness and anxiety.

noticeably bothered

Indicates a clear state of being troubled or disturbed.

evidently unhappy

Directly states a visible lack of happiness.

markedly disturbed

Emphasizes a significant level of emotional disruption.

conspicuously troubled

Highlights that the person's troubled state is very noticeable.

ostensibly grieved

Suggests an outward display of grief that may or may not be entirely genuine.

patently vexed

Indicates clear and obvious annoyance or frustration.

unmistakably perturbed

Emphasizes that the person's state of being unsettled is very clear.

FAQs

How can I use "obviously upset" in a sentence?

You can use "obviously upset" to describe someone whose distress is readily apparent. For example, "After losing the game, the player was "obviously upset" and refused to speak to reporters."

What are some alternatives to "obviously upset"?

Some alternatives include "visibly distressed", "clearly distraught", or "noticeably bothered". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say someone is "obviously upset"?

In some contexts, yes. If the situation already implies strong distress, saying someone is "obviously upset" might be redundant. Consider whether the "obviously" adds meaningful information.

What's the difference between "obviously upset" and "slightly annoyed"?

"Obviously upset" suggests a strong and noticeable level of distress, while "slightly annoyed" indicates a minor irritation. The former is more intense and visible.