it must be upset vs it must be upsetting

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings and usage. 'It must be upset' implies that something is causing distress or agitation to an object or animal, while 'it must be upsetting' suggests that something is causing emotional distress to a person or animal. The choice between the two depends on whether you are referring to the state of an object or animal (upset) or the emotional impact on a person or animal (upsetting).

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 4815 views

This phrase is correct when referring to the state of an object or animal that is experiencing distress or agitation.

"it must be upset"

This phrase is used to describe the state of an object or animal that is upset or disturbed.

Examples:

The broken toy must be upset after being thrown around.
The cat must be upset after being chased by the dog.

Show examples from the web [+]

The person who dropped it must be very upset. Look...
Mummy will be upset that we've gone.
Be upset with them if you want to be upset with anyone, although I don't know why you'd be upset.
Be upset with them if you want to be upset with anyone.
Dad, it's okay to be upset.
If you refuse him, he'll be upset.
If you refuse him, he'll be upset.
You can't still be upset with me.
I knew you'd be upset.
You can't possibly still be upset about that old review.
It's okay to be upset, Dani.
Please don't be upset with me.
Because I knew you'd be upset, which you are.
Don't be upset, Agent Booth, please.
Someone thought you might be upset, so...
Ava, it's okay to be upset.
Because, Sharon, I knew you would be upset.
You're the one who should be upset, ma'am.
I thought you still might be upset about my brief dalliance with Steven.
Hilariously, it seems he'd be upset at losing you.

Alternatives:

it must be disturbed
it must be agitated
it must be distressed
it must be bothered
it must be unsettled

This phrase is correct when referring to the emotional distress caused to a person or animal.

"it must be upsetting"

This phrase is used to describe the emotional impact on a person or animal that is experiencing distress.

Examples:

The news must be upsetting for her.
The situation must be upsetting for the children.

Show examples from the web [+]

It must be very upsetting to know that Uther has abandoned you.
And it must be pretty upsetting to you guys too.
Now, I'm sure if y'all had known Ryan well That would have made more of an impact, But, still, it must be a little upsetting.
- Don't be upsetting yourself.
It'll be upsetting for him, talking about his daughter.
I know this must be upsetting seeing your work right now.
What I have to say might be upsetting.
Come on, don't be upsetting your mother.
That male narwhal seems to be upsetting her.
I know this must be upsetting.
That male narwhal seems to be upsetting her.
I'm sure this must be upsetting for you.
It may be upsetting and unfair, but I have to acknowledge it.
These pictures can be upsetting, even for us.
I know this must be upsetting.
It would be upsetting, But not anything that would warrant the kind of award You're looking for.
We knew that this would be upsetting and it's been very difficult for her.
Some of 'em may bring back memories that could be upsetting.
Look, I can understand how this can be upsetting, but it's also most likely a fake.
Ms. Barnes, we've seen some images of you that may be upsetting and confusing.

Alternatives:

it must be distressing
it must be troubling
it must be worrying
it must be disturbing
it must be unsettling

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it must be upset vs it must be upsetting

"it must be upset"

"it must be upsetting"

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