What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
disrupt
Example
The construction noise disrupted my concentration. [disrupted: past tense]
Example
The protest disrupted the city's traffic. [disrupting: present participle]
upset
Example
I was upset when I heard the news. [upset: adjective]
Example
The delay in the flight upset our travel plans. [upset: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Upset is more commonly used than disrupt in everyday language. Upset is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while disrupt is less common and typically used in technical or professional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between disrupt and upset?
Disrupt is more formal than upset. It is often used in technical or professional contexts, while upset is more commonly used in informal contexts.
