upset about something

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "upset about something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about someone who is unhappy or agitated due to an event or situation. Example Sentence: She was very upset about something that had happened at the office.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Quanitta was terribly upset about something.

The New York Times - Sports

He was upset about something simple.

The New York Times

Am I upset about something?

The New York Times - Magazine

If he is upset about something, you see it".

The New York Times

Ruben: One time I was upset about something, I can't remember.

The New York Times

"He is not another child who gets upset about something or even too excited..

The New Yorker

Senators Mark Udall and Ron Wyden are upset about something, they just can't say what.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yesterday Isabelle (now seven) was upset about something her friend did in school.

Harvard Business Review

A loosened tie at the dinner table was a sure sign that he was upset about something.

The New Yorker

"Medvedev hints he is very upset about something, but nothing ever comes of it," Mr. Treisman said.

The New York Times

"He is not another child who gets upset about something or even too excited...

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "upset about something", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the emotional distress. Providing specific details enhances clarity and understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "it" as the 'something' without prior context. For example, instead of saying "He was upset about it", specify what "it" refers to: "He was "upset about something" his friend said."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upset about something" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of emotional distress. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correctness and usability. The phrase indicates that someone is experiencing negative emotions due to a specific cause.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "upset about something" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express that someone is experiencing emotional distress related to a particular cause. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and offers useful examples from reliable sources. The phrase is versatile, suitable for various contexts from news reports to personal conversations, although primarily found in news, wiki, and scientific content. While generally neutral in register, clarity can be enhanced by specifying the cause of distress. Related phrases include "angry about something" and "unhappy about something", offering alternatives depending on the specific emotion you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

angry about something

Replaces "upset" with a stronger emotion, indicating greater displeasure.

unhappy about something

Substitutes "upset" with a more general term for dissatisfaction.

displeased with something

Uses a more formal tone to express dissatisfaction.

concerned about something

Indicates worry or anxiety rather than direct anger.

frustrated by something

Highlights the feeling of being blocked or hindered.

annoyed by something

Suggests a mild form of irritation.

bothered by something

Implies a sense of being disturbed or troubled.

distressed by something

Indicates a higher level of emotional suffering.

aggravated by something

Replaces "upset" with a term implying increasing the severity of something unpleasant.

irritated by something

Suggests a feeling of slight anger or impatience.

FAQs

How can I use "upset about something" in a sentence?

You can use "upset about something" to describe someone's emotional state when they are unhappy or disturbed by a particular situation. For example, "She was "upset about something" her friend said."

What are some alternative phrases for "upset about something"?

Alternatives include "angry about something", "unhappy about something", or "concerned about something", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "upset about something"?

Yes, "upset about something" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English.

What's the difference between "upset about something" and "upset by something"?

"Upset about something" generally refers to a specific issue or event causing distress, while "upset by something" can refer to a more general or indirect cause. The two are often interchangeable, but "upset about something" is more commonly used.