we were upset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were upset" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express feelings of disappointment or sadness about a situation in the past. Example: "After hearing the news about the cancellation of the event, we were upset and felt let down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

It was late; we were upset.

The Guardian

We were upset to see him leave".

The New York Times

"We were upset, but the decision got made.

Independent

We were upset, and wanted to fight back.

Independent

"We were upset with ourselves after the first half," Duhon said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We were upset and we were angry when we got the letter," Ms. Broaddus said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Wes was upset and depressed at having to leave the house.

The New Yorker

We are upset about it.

The Economist

"We're upset.

The New York Times

It's an upset to us because we are upset.

The New York Times

"We are upset, we feel we have been badly treated.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add nuance, consider adjectives modifying 'upset,' such as 'deeply upset' or 'slightly upset,' to better reflect the intensity of the emotion.

Common error

While "we were upset" is perfectly acceptable, overuse in formal documents can make your writing sound less professional. Opt for alternatives like "we were dissatisfied" or "we had concerns" to maintain a more objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were upset" functions as a statement of feeling or emotion experienced in the past. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. This expression communicates a state of disappointment, unhappiness, or annoyance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were upset" is a common and grammatically sound way to express past disappointment or unhappiness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used most frequently in news and media contexts, and it's generally appropriate for neutral registers. However, in formal or professional settings, it may be beneficial to consider alternatives like "we were disappointed" or "we had concerns" to maintain a more objective tone. When using "we were upset", clarify the context to enhance clarity and impact. Overall, this phrase is a direct and effective way to convey a past negative emotional reaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we felt disappointed

Focuses more on the feeling of disappointment rather than general upset.

we were saddened

Emphasizes the feeling of sadness as a result of something.

we were displeased

A more formal way of expressing that something was not to one's liking.

we were frustrated

Highlights the feeling of being blocked or hindered in achieving something.

we were annoyed

Expresses a milder form of irritation or displeasure.

we were irritated

Similar to annoyed, but can imply a slightly more persistent feeling.

we were angry

Signifies a stronger emotion of rage or indignation.

we took exception to

Indicates a formal disagreement or strong disapproval.

we were indignant

Suggests a feeling of righteous anger or annoyance.

we were aggrieved

Implies a sense of injustice or unfair treatment.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "we were upset"?

You can use alternatives like "we felt disappointed", "we were saddened", or "we were displeased" depending on the context.

How do I use "we were upset" in a sentence?

"We were upset" is used to express feelings of disappointment or sadness about a past event or situation. For example, "We were upset by the news of the project's cancellation."

Is it correct to say "we was upset" instead of "we were upset"?

No, "we was upset" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "we were upset", as "were" is the past tense plural form of the verb "to be".

What is the difference between "we were upset" and "we are upset"?

"We were upset" refers to a past feeling or reaction, while "we are upset" refers to a current feeling or state. The tense indicates when the feeling of being upset occurred.