totally upset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "totally upset" is correct and acceptable in written English.
It is used to describe an emotional state of being completely overwhelmed and distraught, often due to disappointment or distress. For example: "I am totally upset that I failed my driving test again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

He is totally upset".

Independent

"They were totally upset.

The New York Times

"There were a group of people walking out, and they were totally upset," Mr. Klein said.

The New York Times

The art teacher, for one, admitted that she was "totally upset" about the college's move to new premises, now just two months away.

The New York Times

"I'm totally upset," said Mr. May, 51, sitting on a bench in Coolidge Corner, a bustling retail district here, on Wednesday evening.

The New York Times

A nation that genuinely extols humanitarian values would not so totally upset the lives of children or anyone for the sake of even the most important of political statements when the statement could effectively be delivered from elsewhere.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"He manages to make a piece of work that totally upsets all your preconceptions about drag.

The New York Times - Arts

Nothing says "I'm totally not upset that I found out about your wedding through Instagram" like a ~sexy~ photo shoot. .

Huffington Post

Taylor frowns as he recalls how Speed's sudden death left everyone at the PFA feeling "totally depressed and upset" before smiling at the memory of Muamba's miraculous recovery.

The Guardian - Sport

"When I heard, I was totally surprised and deeply upset," said Swett, who added that she was "90percentt sure" she would forgo her Olympic efforts.

The New York Times - Sports

"I totally, completely understand how upset and how hard this is on this family, especially over the recent coverage of Seth's death," Hannity said at the top of his show.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "totally upset", ensure the context reflects a genuine sense of strong negative emotion. Overusing it in trivial situations can diminish its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "totally upset" in highly formal writing or professional settings where a more nuanced expression of disappointment or concern would be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "deeply concerned" or "extremely disappointed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "totally upset" functions as an adjective phrase, where "totally" intensifies the adjective "upset". This combination amplifies the feeling of being disturbed or unhappy. According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "totally upset" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to express strong negative emotions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and various examples showcase its usage across diverse contexts. While predominantly found in news and media, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in professional settings. The phrase serves to convey a sense of disturbance, unhappiness, or even anger and should be used when emphasizing the intensity of these feelings. Related phrases, such as "completely devastated" and "utterly distraught", offer similar ways to express profound emotional distress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely devastated

Emphasizes the overwhelming feeling of destruction and loss.

utterly distraught

Highlights extreme mental or emotional suffering.

absolutely furious

Focuses on intense anger and rage.

entirely disappointed

Stresses the completeness of the disappointment.

deeply aggrieved

Indicates a profound sense of injustice and sorrow.

thoroughly dismayed

Emphasizes shock and disappointment.

extremely bothered

Highlights a significant level of disturbance or annoyance.

genuinely aggrieved

Expresses a sincere feeling of resentment or injury.

really aggravated

Focuses on frustration and irritation.

severely disquieted

Emphasizes a state of anxiety and unease.

FAQs

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

You can use "totally upset" to express a strong negative emotion, like in the sentence "I am totally upset that I failed my driving test again."

What's a more formal way to say "totally upset"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "deeply concerned" or "extremely disappointed", depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "totally upset" in professional emails?

While acceptable, it might be better to opt for a more professional tone in emails. Consider "genuinely aggrieved" or "severely disquieted" to maintain a formal tone.

What are some similar phrases to "totally upset" that I can use?

Alternatives include "completely devastated", "utterly distraught", and "absolutely furious", each highlighting a different aspect of strong negative emotion.