How to say it · How you feel

Saying I'm angry

Someone you know has really upset you, and you want to be honest about it. The trick is matching the word to how angry you really are.

6 ways to say it

In a messy kitchen, Mia stands with arms folded under a storm cloud while Sam rubs his neck guiltily.

How strongMildIntense

I'm really annoyedbest default It gets on my nervessmall habit I'm fed up with thishad enough I'm angry with youhonest and direct I'm fumingventing to friends I'm absolutely furiousstrongest

Way 1 · best default

I'm really annoyed

Honest and clear, but not dramatic. Fluent speakers use it a lot, even when they're quite angry.

How strongMild

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

I'm really annoyed. You said you'd be here at seven.

She cancelled again and I'm really annoyed about it.

In a conversation

A: You look a bit fed up. What's wrong?
B: I'm really annoyed. Tom cancelled on me an hour before.

Common mistake

Not: I'm really ~~annoying.~~

Say: I'm really annoyed.

"Annoying" is what other people find you. "Annoyed" is how you feel.

Practice saying this

Next: It gets on my nerves

Way 2 · small habit

It gets on my nerves

For a small thing that keeps happening and slowly irritates you, like a sound or a habit.

How strongVery mild

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

He clicks his pen all day and it gets on my nerves.

I love my sister, but the way she interrupts really gets on my nerves.

Practice saying this

Next: I'm fed up with this

Way 3 · had enough

I'm fed up with this

You've been annoyed for a long time and your patience has run out. Tired and angry at once.

How strongMiddle

ToneCasual

Use itAnywhere

Examples

I'm fed up with this. I've asked you five times to pay me back.

We're all fed up with the noise from next door.

Common mistake

Not: I'm fed up to this.

Say: I'm fed up with this.

The preposition is "with": fed up with this, fed up with waiting.

Practice saying this

Next: I'm angry with you

Way 4 · honest and direct

I'm angry with you

Telling someone close to you, face to face, that they've hurt you. Strong because it's so plain.

How strongIntense

ToneNeutral

Use itWith friends

Examples

I'm angry with you because you didn't even call.

I'm not shouting, but I am angry with you.

In a conversation

A: Why are you so quiet tonight?
B: Honestly? I'm angry with you. You promised you'd come to my party.

Common mistake

Not: I'm angry on you.

Say: I'm angry with you.

Angry needs a preposition before the person: "angry with you" (or "at you").

Practice saying this

Next: I'm fuming

Way 5 · venting to friends

I'm fuming

So angry you're almost smoking. Used when you tell a friend about something that just happened.

How strongIntense

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

My landlord kept my whole deposit. I'm fuming.

She was fuming when she saw the scratch on her car.

In a conversation

A: Did you get your deposit back?
B: Not a penny. I'm fuming.

Practice saying this

Next: I'm absolutely furious

Way 6 · strongest

I'm absolutely furious

The top of the scale. Save it for something serious, or people will stop taking it seriously.

How strongVery intense

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

I'm absolutely furious that nobody told me.

Dad was absolutely furious when he found out.

Common mistake

Not: I'm ~~very~~ furious.

Say: I'm absolutely furious.

"Furious" is already extreme. Use "absolutely", not "very", to make it stronger.

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which would you say?

Pick the right one

Which would you say?

Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.

Now say it out loud

Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.

I'm really annoyed It gets on my nerves I'm fed up with this I'm angry with you

Which would you say?

Now say it out loud

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