upset over something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upset over something" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
For example, "John was upset over the fact that he did not get the job he wanted."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Pretending to be cheerful when you're really upset over something serious will not make you more content with your life or a happier person.

WikiHow

Somehow, it was comforting to be upset over something as trivial as rudeness again.

The New York Times - Travel

"I think what happens with anybody who gets upset over something with paparazzi-related issues is that they are obviously provoked to an extent that we don't see nothing about".

The Guardian - Music

If you get upset over something, try to stay calm.

WikiHow

You may find yourself becoming unexpectedly upset over something that seems trivial.

WikiHow

When you get upset over something, expel your anger peacefully by agreeing to disagree.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

That's something he gets upset over rather quickly.

Huffington Post

Here are a few you could try: "This situation is only temporary".. "I can make it through this".. "I've made it through worse than this and been just fine".. "This might suck, but it won't kill me".. "I can keep my cool during this".. "I am in charge of my emotional responses".. "This isn't worth getting upset over".. Find something funny or silly in your situation.

WikiHow

Is it something really worth being upset over?

WikiHow

He also pointed to something else: angry women, still upset over measures like Pennsylvania's efforts to mandate invasive ultrasounds before abortions.

The New York Times

I am upset over students who are favoured by teachers, I know several of them and that's something I wanted to address", Minja tells us while we are watching his unfinished movie.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "upset over something", ensure that the 'something' is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify what caused the distress.

Common error

Avoid using "upset over something" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations that cause genuine distress or emotional disturbance. Using it inappropriately can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upset over something" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the cause or reason for someone's distress or emotional disturbance. It modifies a verb or noun to specify what is causing the upset. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

25%

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "upset over something" is a grammatically correct and common way to express emotional distress caused by a particular event or issue. Ludwig confirms the accuracy of the expression. While alternatives like "bothered by something" or "concerned about something" exist, they carry slightly different connotations. "Upset over something" is used across various contexts, with a notable presence in news media and general writing, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the 'something' to effectively communicate the cause of distress. It's advisable to reserve this phrase for situations causing genuine emotional impact to maintain its effectiveness. The varied examples provided by Ludwig underscore its widespread use and contextual adaptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distressed by something

This alternative indicates a higher level of emotional suffering than simply being "upset".

perturbed by something

This is a more formal way of saying "upset", suggesting a disturbance in one's peace of mind.

vexed by something

This alternative indicates that one is troubled or worried by a specific matter.

bothered by something

This alternative suggests a milder form of distress compared to being "upset".

unhappy about something

This alternative is a general expression of sadness or dissatisfaction related to an event or situation.

concerned about something

This alternative shifts the focus to worry or anxiety regarding a particular issue.

displeased with something

This alternative expresses a lack of satisfaction or happiness with a specific issue.

aggravated by something

This alternative suggests a feeling of annoyance and frustration caused by a particular situation.

irritated by something

This alternative focuses on a feeling of impatience and frustration triggered by a specific cause.

annoyed by something

This alternative represents a milder level of irritation compared to being "upset".

FAQs

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

You can use "upset over something" to express that someone is feeling distressed or disturbed by a particular issue. For example, "She was "upset over the decision" made by the committee".

What are some alternative ways to say "upset over something"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "bothered by something", "concerned about something", or "distressed by something".

Is it correct to say "upset at something" instead of "upset over something"?

While "upset at something" might be used, "upset over something" is generally more common and grammatically preferred to indicate the cause of one's distress. The choice depends on context and regional usage, but "upset over something" is widely accepted.

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

The phrases "upset about something" and "upset over something" are largely interchangeable. However, "upset over something" may sometimes imply a more significant or prolonged emotional impact than "upset about something". Context usually determines the most appropriate choice.