very upset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very upset" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a character's strong emotion, for example: Susie was very upset after losing her pet mouse.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was very upset.

The New York Times

People are very upset".

BBC

I am very upset".

The New Yorker

She was very upset.

The New York Times

I got very upset.

The New York Times

We were very upset.

The New Yorker

He got very upset.

The New Yorker

He was very upset.

The New Yorker

They were very upset".

Independent

I'd be very upset.

Independent

"They're very upset.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very upset" to clearly and directly express a strong feeling of displeasure or distress. Ensure the context supports the intensity of the emotion.

Common error

In formal writing, consider using more nuanced vocabulary to describe the specific emotion, such as "disheartened", "dismayed", or "aggrieved" instead of relying on the general term "very upset".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very upset" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of emotional distress. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is used to express a strong negative emotion. The phrase indicates that someone is experiencing significant displeasure or agitation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very upset" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a strong feeling of displeasure or distress. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. While versatile, its use should be tailored to the context, with consideration given to more nuanced vocabulary in formal settings. It is most frequently found in news and media sources, according to Ludwig examples, where it serves to convey the emotional state of individuals in various situations. When aiming for alternatives, consider phrases like "extremely disappointed" or "absolutely distraught" to capture similar yet distinct emotional nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely distraught

Suggests a higher level of emotional distress and mental suffering.

extremely disappointed

Replaces "upset" with a more specific emotion focusing on unfulfilled expectations.

deeply saddened

Emphasizes the feeling of sorrow and grief rather than agitation.

bitterly disappointed

Conveys a sense of resentment alongside the disappointment.

highly agitated

Focuses on the restless and disturbed aspect of being upset.

incredibly frustrated

Highlights the feeling of being blocked or prevented from achieving something.

utterly dismayed

Indicates a feeling of alarm and disappointment.

terribly disheartened

Focuses on the loss of hope and enthusiasm.

quite disturbed

Implies a feeling of unease and unsettlement.

intensely aggrieved

Emphasizes the feeling of being wronged or unjustly treated.

FAQs

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

You can use "very upset" to describe someone experiencing strong negative emotions. For example: "She was "very upset" after hearing the news."

What are some alternatives to saying "very upset"?

Alternatives include "extremely disappointed", "deeply saddened", or "absolutely distraught", depending on the specific emotion you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "very upset"?

Yes, "very upset" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe a strong negative emotion.

When should I use "very upset" versus "slightly upset"?

"Very upset" indicates a significantly stronger emotional reaction than "slightly upset". Use "very upset" when the person is experiencing considerable distress or displeasure, and "slightly upset" when the emotion is mild.