upset at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upset at" is correct and can be used in written English.
Example sentence: Mary was upset at the result of the election.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Everybody gets upset at times," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

But she wasn't upset at all.

Independent

"People were upset at me," he said.

The New York Times

He was upset at half-time.

Independent

Glavine was upset at himself.

The New York Times - Sports

The people are upset at the politicians.

The Guardian

Simon Cowell is upset at the result.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

She was upset at the word "slum".

The New York Times

Mariadora is upset at such goings-on.

The New York Times

Everybody was so upset at the time.

The New Yorker

Disaffected youth upset at the lack of opportunities?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "upset at", ensure the preposition correctly connects the feeling of being upset with the cause or recipient of that feeling. For instance, "She was upset at the decision" clearly links the emotion to its source.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "upset". While "upset at" is correct, phrases like "upset from" or "upset because of" are grammatically incorrect. Use "upset by" or rephrase the sentence for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upset at" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of emotional distress or displeasure directed toward a specific cause. This is supported by Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "upset at" is a common and grammatically sound way to express feelings of displeasure or disappointment directed towards a specific cause or person. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "annoyed by" or "displeased with" exist, "upset at" maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse situations. It's important to ensure correct preposition usage to avoid grammatical errors. The phrase serves to communicate a negative emotional response in a clear and direct manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

angry about

Implies a stronger emotional response, indicating rage or fury regarding something.

displeased with

Suggests dissatisfaction or disapproval, focusing on a negative evaluation.

frustrated with

Highlights a feeling of being blocked or hindered, leading to dissatisfaction.

annoyed by

Indicates a mild level of irritation, less intense than "upset at".

aggravated by

Suggests that something has worsened a pre-existing negative state.

irritated by

Similar to "annoyed by", but may suggest a more persistent or grating feeling.

indignant at

Conveys a sense of righteous anger or shock at something considered unjust.

resentful of

Indicates a feeling of bitterness or indignation, often due to perceived unfairness.

bothered by

Implies a feeling of unease or mild disturbance, less intense than being "upset at".

perturbed by

Suggests a state of anxiety or disquiet, often caused by something unexpected.

FAQs

What does "upset at" mean?

"Upset at" means to be unhappy, disappointed, or angry about something or someone. It expresses a feeling of displeasure or distress directed towards a specific cause or person.

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

You can use "upset at" to describe someone's emotional state in response to something, such as "He was upset at the cancellation" or "They were upset at the poor service."

What are some alternatives to saying "upset at"?

Alternatives include "displeased with", "annoyed by", or "angry about", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "upset with" instead of "upset at"?

Both "upset at" and "upset with" can be used, but "upset at" is more commonly used when referring to a situation or event, while "upset with" is often used when referring to a person. However, the distinction is not always strict and can depend on context.