Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
somewhat upset
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "somewhat upset" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a mild level of distress or dissatisfaction about a situation or event. Example: "After hearing the news, I felt somewhat upset, but I knew I had to stay strong."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(20)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
13 human-written examples
Yu admits she felt "somewhat upset", but believes it prepared the ground for future success.
News & Media
A Call for Consistency Manager Joe Torre was somewhat upset by the Yankees' performance Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
News & Media
Mrs. S. Stanwood Menken was somewhat upset the last time she received a letter from her son, Arthur, who is working for the Paramount News in Shanghai, and is living at the once lusurious Hotel Cathay.
News & Media
One disgusted reviewer screamed, "I DO NOT WANT TO CHEW ON GINGER", and was somewhat upset that the taste had lingered: "It is stuck in my teeth and it's BURNING MY TONGUE".
News & Media
As delicately as possible, she said, "Your father is to be the… Mrs. S. Stanwood Menken was somewhat upset the last time she received a letter from her son, Arthur, who is working for the Paramount News… A young father took his small son to the Rodeo, for a birthday treat, and had also secretly arranged for one of the cowboys to….
News & Media
The New Yorker, October 23, 1937 P. 11 Mrs. S. Stanwood Menken was somewhat upset the last time she received a letter from her son, Arthur, who is working for the Paramount News in Shanghai, and is living at the once lusurious Hotel Cathay.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
46 human-written examples
It's no wonder that some people from the former East Germany find the experience somewhat upsetting.
News & Media
She is, and she's got her shit together so much that it's somewhat upsetting.
News & Media
Question stem was: ' Thinking about your weight now and your weight before you started the study drugs you are now taking, how concerned are you about your weight now?'; response choices were: (i) extremely worried and upset, (ii) very worried, (iii) somewhat worried and concerned, (iv) a little concerned, and (v) not concerned at all.
Even the mischievous Rider, the leaguewide distraction who, in somewhat of an upset, merely practiced, fit in and reveled in the postgame celebration.
News & Media
That uneasy balance was upset somewhat in Sardinia's glitzy Costa Smeralda on Sunday, when a yacht full of young Russians acted out the first part of their role by getting through €86,000 (£75,000) worth of vintage champagne.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Consider replacing “somewhat upset” with alternatives like "slightly bothered" or "a little annoyed" to add variety to your writing and avoid repetition.
Common error
Avoid using "somewhat upset" when the situation warrants a stronger term like "devastated" or "furious". Using "somewhat upset" in such cases may undermine the impact of the message.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "somewhat upset" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of mild emotional distress. It indicates a feeling of being bothered or annoyed, but to a limited extent. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing reactions to news or situations.
Frequent in
News & Media
60%
Science
20%
Wiki
10%
Less common in
Formal & Business
5%
Encyclopedias
3%
Reference
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "somewhat upset" is a grammatically sound and neutrally registered adjectival phrase used to convey a moderate level of emotional disturbance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While not as frequent as stronger emotional descriptors, it provides a nuanced way to express feelings of being bothered or annoyed without overstating the situation. It appears most commonly in news and media, with usage also noted in scientific and wiki contexts. When using "somewhat upset", consider the context to ensure that it accurately reflects the intended level of emotional distress and replace it with alternatives as "slightly bothered" or "a little annoyed".
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
slightly bothered
Replaces "upset" with a synonym indicating a minor level of annoyance.
a little annoyed
Uses a different adjective to convey a similar degree of irritation.
mildly disgruntled
Employs a more formal term to express a similar sentiment.
somewhat disappointed
Shifts the emotion slightly to focus on a feeling of letdown.
a bit perturbed
Replaces "upset" with a synonym suggesting a mild disturbance.
slightly irritated
Uses a synonym for "upset" indicating a low level of frustration.
somewhat displeased
Emphasizes a lack of satisfaction or approval.
a little vexed
Uses a more uncommon word to express slight annoyance.
mildly agitated
Indicates a slight feeling of restlessness or unease.
somewhat concerned
Shifts the focus to a feeling of worry or unease about something.
FAQs
What does "somewhat upset" mean?
"Somewhat upset" means to be mildly disturbed or annoyed. It indicates a level of distress that is not severe but is still noticeable.
How can I use "somewhat upset" in a sentence?
You can use "somewhat upset" to describe someone's emotional state. For example, "She was somewhat upset by the news, but she tried not to show it."
What are some alternatives to saying "somewhat upset"?
You can use alternatives like "slightly bothered", "a little annoyed", or "mildly disgruntled" to express a similar sentiment.
Is it grammatically correct to say "somewhat upset"?
Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Somewhat" is an adverb that modifies the adjective "upset", forming a perfectly acceptable phrase.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested