Talk about emotional distress and its cause.
The idea
Upset describes feeling unhappy, worried or angry. Use upset about or upset by for a cause, and upset with for a person.
Examples
- I was upset about the cancellation.
- The child looked upset after the game.
- She was upset with her friend for leaving early.
- They were upset by the news.
- He was upset that nobody called.
- Please tell me if you feel upset.
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Watch out
Upset does not always mean angry; someone may be sad or worried instead.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct answer. The news made her unhappy; she was ___. (upset / delighted)
Show answer or example answer
upset
Upset fits someone distressed by the news.
Choose the correct answer. They were upset ___ the lost tickets. (about / under)
Show answer or example answer
about
About introduces the cause of the feeling.
Choose the correct answer. I am upset ___ my neighbour for shouting. (with / from)
Show answer or example answer
with
With identifies the person who caused the distress.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the correct answer. The news made her unhappy; she was ___. (upset / delighted)
Choose the correct answer. They were upset ___ the lost tickets. (about / under)
Choose the correct answer. I am upset ___ my neighbour for shouting. (with / from)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe a time someone felt upset and say what caused it.

