upset me

USAGE SUMMARY

'upset me' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing a feeling of being disturbed, agitated, or disconcerted. For example: His harsh words really upset me.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That really upset me.

University of California, Berkeley

It upset me.

The New York Times

His honesty upset me.

The New York Times - Magazine

It really upset me.

The Guardian

Philosophical ideas often upset me.

University of California, Berkeley

It does upset me.

The Guardian

"You've upset me".

The New Yorker

"Cold blues upset me".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It quite upset me.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It didn't upset me much," Graeber said.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Does that upset me?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "upset me", consider the degree of emotional impact you want to convey. Alternatives like "bothered me" or "disturbed me" can offer different shades of meaning.

Common error

In formal or professional writing, avoid overusing "upset me" as it can sound too personal or informal. Instead, opt for phrases like "displeased me" or "raised concerns" to maintain a more objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upset me" functions as a verb phrase, where "upset" is the verb and "me" is the object. It expresses a direct emotional impact experienced by the speaker. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in expressing personal feelings about various situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "upset me" is a common and grammatically sound way to express personal feelings of distress or annoyance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable part of a sentence. While highly prevalent in news and media, personal narratives, and less so in formal academic or business contexts, its effectiveness hinges on aligning the tone with the intended audience. Consider alternatives like "bothered me" or "disturbed me" for nuanced expressions, and be mindful of overuse in professional settings. Remember, the key is to ensure your word choice accurately reflects the degree and nature of your emotional response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bothered me

This alternative suggests a feeling of mild annoyance or disturbance, slightly less intense than "upset me".

disturbed me

This option implies a more significant disruption of one's peace of mind compared to "upset me".

troubled me

This suggests a deep worry or concern, indicating a heavier emotional impact than "upset me".

annoyed me

This alternative conveys a sense of irritation or mild anger, focusing on the feeling of being provoked rather than deeply affected.

irritated me

Similar to 'annoyed me', this highlights a feeling of impatience and frustration, rather than profound distress.

vexed me

This implies a state of being puzzled or frustrated, often by something trivial or perplexing.

displeased me

This suggests a feeling of dissatisfaction or disapproval, typically in a more formal context.

aggravated me

This implies an increase in the intensity of annoyance, suggesting a building frustration.

dismayed me

This alternative expresses a feeling of shock and disappointment, typically in response to something unexpected.

perturbed me

This suggests a feeling of anxiety or unease, often triggered by something unexpected or unsettling.

FAQs

What's the difference between "upset me" and "bothered me"?

"Upset me" suggests a stronger emotional reaction, while "bothered me" implies a milder form of annoyance or disturbance.

What can I say instead of "upset me" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "displeased me" or "raised concerns" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "upset me" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "upset me" might be too informal for academic writing. Consider more objective phrases unless describing a personal experience.

How to use "upset me" effectively in a sentence?

Ensure the context clearly indicates what caused you to be upset. For instance, "His rude behavior really upset me" provides a clear cause and effect.