Upset vs. Mad - What’s the Difference?

Upset vs Mad Exercises

These exercises focus on Upset vs Mad

What Do "Upset" and "Mad" Mean?

Upset

The word upset means feeling unhappy, worried, or emotionally disturbed. It can describe a mix of emotions like sadness, disappointment, or anxiety.

Example: "She was upset after hearing the bad news."
Tip: Think of upset as feeling sad or worried rather than angry.

Mad

The word mad usually means feeling angry. In American English, it’s commonly used instead of "angry," but in British English, "mad" can also mean "crazy."

Example: "He was mad when his team lost the game."
Tip: Use mad when someone is angry or furious about something.

Rules to Use "Upset" and "Mad" Correctly

Word	Meaning	Example	Notes
Upset	Sad, worried, or disturbed	"I was upset when my friend didn’t call me."	Use for emotional hurt or worry.
Mad	Angry	"He got mad when they broke his toy."	Use for anger or frustration.

Verb Forms and Adjectives

Upset is also a verb: "The loud noise upset the baby."
Mad is only an adjective in modern usage: "She was mad at her brother."

Common Errors

Confusing emotions:

❌ "I’m mad because my cat is sick."
(This sounds like you’re angry at the cat.)
✅ "I’m upset because my cat is sick."
(This shows you’re sad or worried about the situation.)

Using "mad" for sadness:

❌ "He was mad when he failed the test."
(If he’s sad, use "upset.")
✅ "He was upset when he failed the test."

British vs. American English:

In British English, "mad" can mean "crazy."

Example: "Are you mad? You can’t jump off the roof!"

Everyday Use of "Upset" and "Mad"

How to Describe Your Feelings:

Upset: Use this when something makes you feel hurt or worried.

Example: "I felt upset after the argument with my friend."

Mad: Use this when something makes you feel angry.

Example: "I get mad when people cut in line."

Talking About Others:

"She seemed upset about the mistake."
"He was mad at his sister for taking his phone."

Quick Comparison: Upset vs. Mad

Question	Upset	Mad
Are they feeling sad or worried?	Yes	No
Are they feeling angry?	No	Yes
Can this describe an emotional situation?	Yes ("upset about the fight")	No
Can this describe someone yelling?	No	Yes ("mad at the driver")

FAQ

Can "upset" and "mad" be used interchangeably?

No. "Upset" means sad or worried, while "mad" means angry. Using the wrong one can confuse your meaning.

What’s the British English meaning of "mad"?

In British English, "mad" often means "crazy" or "insane," not angry.

Can "upset" be a verb?

Yes. "To upset" means to disturb or make someone unhappy.

Example: "The news upset him."

Is "mad" informal?

Yes, "mad" is more informal than "angry." For formal situations, use "angry."

How do I express mixed emotions?

If you’re both sad and angry, say: "I’m upset and mad about what happened."