upsetting to read

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upsetting to read" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a text or content that evokes feelings of distress or discomfort upon reading. Example: "The article was deeply upsetting to read, as it detailed the tragic events that unfolded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Perhaps understandably the book has upset Manics bassist Nicky Wire, who "found it too upsetting to read the whole thing.

The Guardian - Music

You know, a lot of people were very upset about my comment, and make no mistake, I find it very upsetting to read it.

TechCrunch

It's upsetting to read.

The New York Times - Magazine

Natasha Elcock, chair of Grenfell United, the survivors and bereaved families group, said the full report was "alarming and hugely upsetting to read".

The Guardian

Re "Bush Weighing Decision on Release of Classified Documents to Sept. 11 Panel" (news article, Oct. 28): As a family member who fought very hard for the creation of the 9/11 independent commission, I find it upsetting to read the White House spokeswoman's response to press inquiries that the White House believes that it is fully cooperating with the commission.

The New York Times

Natasha Elcock, chairwoman of Grenfell United, said the findings were "alarming and hugely upsetting to read".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Some of the stories in the book were really upsetting for me to read, even though I worked at magazines and I know what goes on.

Vice

"It was extremely upsetting to learn".

Vice

Although the story has a deep, upsetting beauty, a reason to read "Once Upon a Time in England" is because its tension is the world's tension.

Los Angeles Times

Jimmy Kimmel gathered a host of international stars – including John Goodman, George Clooney, Tom Hanks, Benedict Cumberbatch, Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon and Jon Hamm – and got them to read out upsetting tweets that they had been sent.

The Guardian

The details of this case are painful to read, but perhaps most upsetting is the fact that they aren't necessarily unique.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing your reaction to a piece of writing, consider the specific emotion evoked and choose a synonym for "upsetting" that reflects that emotion more precisely. For example, use "distressing" for sadness or "alarming" for concern.

Common error

While "upsetting to read" is generally acceptable, it can sound informal in academic or professional writing. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives like "distressing to read" or "troubling to read" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upsetting to read" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, modifying an implied subject (usually 'it' or 'something'). According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It describes the effect that reading something has on the reader, causing them emotional distress.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "upsetting to read" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes the emotional impact of written content. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness, highlighting its function in conveying subjective reactions to disturbing or troubling texts. Although "upsetting" can feel informal in some contexts, this phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for various forms of media. When seeking to refine your descriptions, consider synonyms like "distressing to read" or "troubling to read" for greater precision. Overall, "upsetting to read" is a valuable tool for articulating your emotional experience with written material.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disturbing to read

Emphasizes the unsettling or disquieting nature of the reading material.

troubling to read

Highlights the worrying or concerning aspects of the text.

distressing to read

Focuses on the painful or upsetting emotional impact of reading.

unnerving to read

Stresses the anxiety or unease caused by the reading material.

heartbreaking to read

Highlights the sorrow or grief evoked by the text.

painful to read

Emphasizes the emotional discomfort and suffering induced by reading.

shocking to read

Focuses on the element of surprise and dismay caused by the text.

alarming to read

Stresses the concern and sense of danger or urgency provoked by the text.

frustrating to read

Highlights the feeling of annoyance and dissatisfaction while reading something.

infuriating to read

Emphasizes the anger and rage evoked by the reading experience.

FAQs

What does "upsetting to read" mean?

The phrase "upsetting to read" describes something that causes emotional distress or discomfort when you read it. It indicates that the content is disturbing or troubling.

What can I say instead of "upsetting to read"?

You can use alternatives like "distressing to read", "troubling to read", or "disturbing to read" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "upsetting to read" in a sentence?

You can use "upsetting to read" to describe your emotional reaction to a text. For example, "The news report was very upsetting to read" or "I found the novel upsetting to read because of its tragic ending".

Is "upsetting to read" the same as "upsetting to hear"?

While both phrases describe something that causes emotional distress, "upsetting to read" refers specifically to written content, while "upsetting to hear" refers to something you are told or listen to. Therefore, they are context-dependent.