to be angry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be angry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of emotion or feeling of displeasure or frustration. Example: "After hearing the news, I began to be angry about the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I expected to be angry.

The New York Times

You want them to be angry.

The New York Times

But one participant managed to be angry.

The Economist

And they are right to be angry".

The Guardian

Obama has reason to be angry.

The New York Times

"It gave people permission to be angry.

The New Yorker

Turnbull has a right to be angry.

The Guardian - Opinion

We don't need to be angry anymore.

The New Yorker

"It's O.K. to be angry in musicals".

The New York Times

"But people don't want to be angry.

The New York Times

Californians have reason to be angry.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be angry" to express a general state of feeling anger. For stronger emphasis, consider synonyms like "to be furious" or "to be incensed".

Common error

While "to be angry" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced expressions like "to express dissatisfaction" or "to voice concerns" to convey specific reactions with greater precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be angry" functions primarily as a predicative adjective phrase. It describes a state of being or an emotional condition of the subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound and commonly found in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be angry" is a common and grammatically correct way to express feelings of displeasure or resentment. As Ludwig AI affirms, it's widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While it is versatile, more nuanced alternatives like "to be furious" or "to express outrage" may be appropriate depending on the specific context and desired emphasis. Remember to avoid overuse in highly formal writing and consider more specific expressions to convey subtle emotional reactions with greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be furious

This simply describes an extremely angry state.

to be incensed

This indicates a state of being extremely angry and indignant.

to lose one's temper

This refers to the act of becoming angry and losing control.

to show indignation

This suggests a righteous anger in response to something considered unjust or unfair.

to express outrage

This phrase emphasizes the outward display of strong indignation or anger.

to feel resentment

This alternative focuses on the feeling of bitterness or indignation as a result of perceived unfair treatment.

to harbor animosity

This implies a deep-seated feeling of intense dislike or ill will.

to seethe with anger

This describes a state of suppressed but intense anger.

to boil over with rage

This suggests a sudden and explosive release of intense anger.

to be wrathful

This implies a fierce anger, often associated with a desire for revenge or punishment.

FAQs

What does it mean "to be angry"?

The phrase "to be angry" means to experience or express strong displeasure, hostility, or indignation. It describes a state of emotional arousal in response to a perceived wrong or injustice.

What can I say instead of "to be angry"?

You can use alternatives like "to be furious", "to be incensed", or "to express outrage" depending on the specific context and intensity of the emotion you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "to be angry"?

Yes, "to be angry" is grammatically correct. It uses the infinitive form of the verb "to be" followed by the adjective "angry", forming a common and acceptable phrase in English.

How can I use "to be angry" effectively in a sentence?

Use "to be angry" to describe a subject's emotional state. For instance, "They have a right "to be angry" about the decision" or "It is easy "to be angry" with people, but you must address the root causes."