terribly upset

USAGE SUMMARY

"terribly upset" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is extremely upset or distressed. Example: After receiving the news of her father's passing, Jane was terribly upset and could not stop crying.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cynthia is terribly upset.

The New Yorker

Father was terribly upset.

Nature

"Roseanne is terribly upset.

The Guardian - Sport

Quanitta was terribly upset about something.

The New York Times - Sports

MR. DODD: You got terribly upset about it.

Yale University

I've been terribly upset about this first debate.

University of California, Berkeley

They might not even be terribly upset by a suspension.

The New York Times - Sports

She wasn't terribly upset; she wasn't even that emotional.

The New Yorker

I'm so terribly upset at hearing what's happened.

The Guardian

If that were switched off, they'd be terribly upset".

The Guardian

Days after the initial meeting, Justin called, sounding terribly upset.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "terribly upset", consider the audience and context; while generally acceptable, more formal situations might benefit from synonyms like "deeply saddened" or "severely disappointed" for enhanced clarity or professionalism.

Common error

Avoid using "terribly upset" excessively in formal or academic writing. While the phrase is understandable, it might be perceived as less sophisticated than alternatives like "profoundly disturbed" or "deeply concerned". Reserve "terribly upset" for contexts where a more direct emotional expression is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terribly upset" functions as an adverbial modifier intensifying the adjective 'upset'. Ludwig AI confirms this is a valid English phrase. It describes the degree to which someone is emotionally affected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

18%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terribly upset" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys a state of significant emotional distress. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in English writing. While commonly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various situations. For more formal or scientific settings, consider alternatives like "deeply saddened" or "profoundly disturbed" to maintain a higher level of sophistication. Remember to use it to clearly link the distress with its cause.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely distressed

Replaces "upset" with a synonym emphasizing intense negative emotion.

deeply saddened

Indicates a profound feeling of sorrow, focusing on the sadness aspect.

very disturbed

Highlights mental agitation and unease, differing slightly in emotional tone.

intensely frustrated

Emphasizes the feeling of being thwarted or blocked, shifting the focus to frustration.

severely disappointed

Focuses on the feeling of unmet expectations and letdown.

gravely concerned

Implies a serious level of worry or apprehension.

bitterly resentful

Suggests a feeling of indignation and ill-will due to perceived unfairness.

incredibly agitated

Replaces "upset" with a synonym emphasizing extreme restlessness and anxiety.

remarkably perturbed

Indicates a state of disturbance and unsettlement, using a more formal tone.

exceptionally displeased

Conveys a strong sense of dissatisfaction, often in a more formal context.

FAQs

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

You can use "terribly upset" to describe someone's emotional state. For example, "She was terribly upset when she heard the news" or "He became terribly upset after the argument".

What are some alternatives to "terribly upset"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "extremely distressed", "deeply saddened", or "very disturbed".

Is it appropriate to use "terribly upset" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "terribly upset" may sound less formal. Consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "profoundly disturbed" or "deeply concerned" in formal contexts.

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

"Terribly upset" describes a strong negative emotional reaction, while "slightly annoyed" indicates a milder form of irritation or displeasure. The former suggests significant distress, while the latter implies minor frustration.