quite upset

USAGE SUMMARY

"quite upset" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used to describe a person's emotional state as being moderately or significantly upset. It is often used as a milder alternative to "very upset." Example: After receiving the bad news, Jane was quite upset and had trouble holding back her tears in front of her colleagues.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I had to quit Beavers and Scouts and I was quite upset about that.

BBC

I felt quite upset".

The Guardian - Business

He is quite upset.

The New Yorker

It quite upset me.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The guests were quite upset.

The New Yorker

The Germans were quite upset".

The New York Times

I actually got quite upset.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Which, understandably, can make them quite upset.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The Fairfield official was quite upset".

The New York Times

She was quite upset, anxious, and confused.

The Guardian - Books

Ravi "seemed quite upset" and "confused," Grover said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite upset" to express a moderate level of disappointment or distress. It is suitable when you want to convey that someone is more than slightly bothered but not overwhelmingly devastated.

Common error

While "quite upset" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing or professional communication. Opt for more precise and impactful language to convey the specific emotion. Consider "greatly disappointed" or "deeply concerned" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite upset" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a subject to describe their emotional state. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and usability in written English. It is frequently used to describe a moderate level of distress or disappointment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite upset" is a commonly used and grammatically sound adjective phrase to express a moderate level of emotional distress or disappointment. As validated by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for general use, particularly in news, media and scientific contexts, but should be used judiciously in more formal settings where more precise and impactful language may be preferred. When writing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey and opt for more descriptive language in very formal contexts. Understanding the contexts where "quite upset" is appropriate, and avoiding overuse in formal writing, will help you communicate effectively and precisely. Related phrases such as "somewhat distressed" or "rather disappointed" can offer nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite disappointed

Similar to "rather disappointed" but potentially stronger, focusing on the feeling of disappointment.

visibly displeased

Emphasizes the outward expression of unhappiness or dissatisfaction.

somewhat distressed

Indicates a milder form of being upset, suggesting a lower level of emotional impact.

remarkably disturbed

This conveys that one is very troubled or bothered. It suggests a significant emotional or mental agitation.

a bit disturbed

Implies a sense of unease and unsettlement, reflecting a reaction to something unpleasant.

noticeably affected

Highlights the observable impact of something on someone's emotional state, implying they are upset.

pretty annoyed

Indicates a state of irritation or frustration, which can be a precursor to feeling upset.

rather disappointed

Focuses on the feeling of disappointment as the primary emotion, which can be a component of being upset.

mildly perturbed

Suggests a slight agitation or disturbance, indicating a less intense emotional response.

slightly bothered

Indicates a minimal level of annoyance or concern, which is a weaker form of being upset.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite upset" to describe someone's emotional state when they are moderately distressed or disappointed. For example, "She was quite upset when she learned about the cancellation."

What's a more formal alternative to "quite upset"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "deeply concerned" or "greatly disappointed" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

Is "quite upset" stronger or weaker than "very upset"?

"Quite upset" generally indicates a lesser degree of distress compared to "very upset". It suggests a moderate level of emotional disturbance.

When is it appropriate to use "quite upset" instead of "angry"?

Use "quite upset" when the emotion involves disappointment, sadness, or mild distress, rather than outright anger. If the primary emotion is rage or fury, "angry" is more appropriate. However, if it's more about being bothered and affected, then use "quite upset".