terribly upsetting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terribly upsetting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes significant distress or emotional turmoil. Example: "The news of the accident was terribly upsetting for everyone involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It was terribly, terribly upsetting.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

So when you really meet the fangs at the end, it's terribly upsetting". In his last interview, Bunuel said of his producer, "He gave me a good life but he shortened it at the same time". Perhaps Lean might have said the same thing.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 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

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

The Guardian

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

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terribly upsetting" when you want to emphasize the high degree of emotional distress caused by a specific event or situation. It conveys a stronger sense of disturbance than simply saying "upsetting".

Common error

Avoid using "terribly upsetting" too frequently in your writing, as it can diminish its impact. Vary your language by using synonyms like "deeply distressing" or "extremely disturbing" to maintain the reader's engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terribly upsetting" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe something that causes significant emotional distress. It intensifies the adjective "upsetting" with the adverb "terribly", indicating a high degree of emotional disturbance. Ludwig AI validates its role in expressing emotional impact.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "terribly upsetting" is a grammatically sound and acceptable way to express a strong feeling of emotional distress or disturbance. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is a valid and usable expression in English writing. While not overly frequent, it appears across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. When using this phrase, consider the intensity you wish to convey and ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing. If you want to prevent overuse, consider using synonyms such as "deeply distressing" or "extremely disturbing".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeply distressing

Emphasizes the profound emotional impact and the causing of significant pain.

extremely disturbing

Highlights the unsettling and perturbing nature of the situation.

very disheartening

Focuses on the loss of morale and discouragement caused by the event.

quite devastating

Suggests a more ruinous and impactful emotional blow.

profoundly unsettling

Indicates a deep and pervasive sense of unease and disquiet.

severely troubling

Stresses the gravity and worrisome nature of the circumstances.

intensely painful

Highlights the high degree of emotional suffering involved.

awfully regrettable

Focuses on the feeling of sorrow and remorse over the situation.

bitterly disappointing

Emphasizes the strong feeling of letdown and frustration.

dreadfully agitating

Indicates the high level of anxiety and restlessness created.

FAQs

What does "terribly upsetting" mean?

"Terribly upsetting" means causing a high degree of distress, emotional disturbance, or sadness. It emphasizes the intensity of the negative emotions experienced.

What can I say instead of "terribly upsetting"?

You can use alternatives such as "deeply distressing", "extremely disturbing", or "very disheartening" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "terribly upsetting" formal or informal?

"Terribly upsetting" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain professional settings.

How do I use "terribly upsetting" in a sentence?

You can use "terribly upsetting" to describe events, news, or situations that cause significant emotional distress. For example, "The news of the accident was terribly upsetting for everyone involved."