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Sentence: Extremists were angry with violence in Syria.Question: Is this sentence correct?

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Extremists are angry with the violence in Syria.

Cool Breeze · Answer

A British guide to prepositions suggests that one is angry with a person but angry about anything that gives rise to the anger. As violence isn't a person, the guide prefers about in your sentence. When the anger is directed against an occurrence or a situation, at is possible: He became angry at the mere suggestion of such a thing.

CB

Anonymous · Answer

Cool BreezeA British guide to prepositions suggests that one is angry with a person but angry about anything that gives rise to the anger. As violence isn't a person, the guide prefers about in your sentence. When the anger is directed against an occurrence or a situation, at is possible: He became angry at the mere suggestion of such a thing.CB

Thanks. Exactly what I wanted know

Mister Micawber · Answer

On the other hand, Webster's Dictionary of English Usage (an American dictionary) indicates that 'much of the prescription is plainly in conflict with actual usage' and offers citations for 'angry with' for human, inanimate and abstract objects, 'angry at' with persons, actions and things, 'angry about' with persons and actions or things, as well as instances of 'angry towards' and even 'angry for'.  It goes on to say that 'It does not seem reasonable, on the basis of the evidence here and in the OED, to make rigid distinctions about which prepositions are proper in which uses.'

Mister Micawber · Answer

AnonymousExactly what I wanted know

That's what I was afraid of.

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