pretty upset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pretty upset" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a moderate level of anger or disappointment in a casual or informal context. Example: "After hearing the news, I was pretty upset about the decision they made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I was pretty upset.

The New York Times

He's pretty upset, obviously.

The New York Times - Sports

"People are pretty upset.

The New York Times

"I'm pretty upset about it.

The New York Times

"I was pretty upset," Suhey said.

The New York Times - Sports

"But I'm pretty upset right now.

The New York Times

At first, I was pretty upset.

The New York Times

"He was pretty upset," Elliott said.

The New York Times

"They were pretty upset," Friedgen said.

The New York Times - Sports

"He was pretty upset," one player said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was pretty upset by that," Mr. Petkovsek said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, using "pretty upset" can make characters sound more relatable and realistic, especially when they're reacting to frustrating situations.

Common error

Avoid using "pretty upset" in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more sophisticated and precise language to convey your emotions or observations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty upset" functions as an adjectival phrase, where "pretty" modifies the adjective "upset", intensifying the emotion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It describes a state of moderate annoyance or disappointment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pretty upset" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a moderate level of disappointment, annoyance, or frustration. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalent use, especially in news and media contexts. While suitable for informal settings and casual conversation, it's best to avoid using "pretty upset" in formal writing, opting for more precise and sophisticated language. When you aim to express negative sentiments, several alternatives exist, such as "somewhat disappointed" or "fairly frustrated", to fine-tune your message's intensity. Remember to use "pretty upset" appropriately to convey your emotions accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

really bothered

Signifies a stronger level of irritation or concern than "pretty upset".

fairly frustrated

Indicates a noticeable level of frustration or discouragement.

quite bothered

Implies a moderate level of concern or irritation.

rather displeased

Expresses dissatisfaction in a more formal or reserved manner.

noticeably irritated

Suggests that the person's irritation is apparent or easily observed.

somewhat disappointed

Indicates a milder level of disappointment compared to being "pretty upset".

distinctly aggravated

Highlights a clear feeling of annoyance or exasperation.

a bit disgruntled

Suggests a feeling of dissatisfaction or mild resentment.

slightly annoyed

Represents a less intense form of frustration than "pretty upset".

mildly irritated

Conveys a low level of annoyance or impatience.

FAQs

What does "pretty upset" mean?

The phrase "pretty upset" describes a state of being moderately annoyed, disappointed, or frustrated. It suggests a level of emotional discomfort that is more than slightly bothered but not intensely angry or distraught.

What can I say instead of "pretty upset"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat disappointed", "a bit disgruntled", or "fairly frustrated" depending on the context and the level of emotion you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "pretty upset"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. "Pretty" functions as an adverb modifying the adjective "upset", indicating the degree or extent of being upset.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "pretty upset"?

It's appropriate to use the phrase in informal settings, casual conversations, or personal writing where a moderate expression of negative emotion is suitable. Avoid using it in formal or professional contexts where more precise language is expected.