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Pastsimple Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

angry at/about

I've seen angry used with either "at" or "about". Below you will find my interpretation. Could you please decide if I'm right or not?

angry at
The teacher was angry at Nell.--> The teacher was angry at one particular moment. E.g. Nell didn't bring in her homework and the teacher told her off.

angry about
The teacher was angry about Nell. --> The teacher was angry because of Nell. E.g. Nell fell in love and wasn't preparing for her classes etc. The teacher's angriness may have lasted for a certain (longer) period of time.

Please list more examples of correct usage patterns.

Thanks in advance, as always.
  

Top answer

It isn't to do with timescale. It is about who or what is on the receiving end of the anger. Angry at Nell - the teacher was angry directly with Nell - Nell was there when the teacher reacted angrily towards her.

— Nona the brit

  • It isn't to do with timescale.
  • It is about who or what is on the receiving end of the anger.
  • Angry at Nell - the teacher was angry directly with Nell - Nell was there when the teacher reacted angrily towards her.
  • Angry about Nell - the teacher was angry regarding something to do with Nell but Nell wasn't there.
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4 Answers
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It isn't to do with timescale. It is about who or what is on the receiving end of the anger.

Angry at Nell - the teacher was angry directly with Nell - Nell was there when the teacher reacted angrily towards her.

Angry about Nell - the teacher was angry regarding something to do with Nell but Nell wasn't there.
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PastsimpleI've seen angry used with either "at" or "about". Below you will find my interpretation. Could you please decide if I'm right or not?

angry at
The teacher was angry at Nell.--> The teacher was angry at one particular moment. E.g. Nell didn't bring in her homework and the teacher told her off.

angry
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Nona The BritIt isn't to do with timescale. It is about who or what is on the receiving end of the anger.

Angry at Nell - the teacher was angry directly with Nell - Nell was there when the teacher reacted angrily towards her.

Angry about Nell - the teacher was angry regarding something to do with Nell but Nell wasn't there.
OK, I made a
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PastsimplePlease list more examples of correct usage patterns.

Search yourself for them in the online literature at:

with:
site:literaturepost.com "angry about"
or
site:literaturepost.com "angry at"
or, combining the above:
site:literaturepost.com "angry (abo
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