a distressing question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distressing question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a question that causes discomfort, anxiety, or concern. Example: "During the meeting, she posed a distressing question about the future of the project that left everyone feeling uneasy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In the US, this story would have ended with redemption; Macmillan was allowed to finish with a distressing question mark.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I, too, wanted to be beautiful and virtuous like Xi Shi, but distressing questions began to assert themselves when I reëxamined the story.

The New Yorker

Until then, deeply affected by the confusing and contradictory messages sent by the EU on human rights those distressing questions about the integrity of the EU policy on human rights will remain.

Huffington Post

(1995) investigated the differential impact of imagery and verbal processing on subsequent intrusions following a distressing video, but the question remains whether imagery about a personally-relevant current worry topic would lead to less subsequent negative intrusions than worry in verbal form.

Behaviour Research and Therapy

In the first discharge off emotions touched off by the Japanese on their nation, U.S. citizens have been demonstrating a distressing ignorance on the delicate question of how to tell a Chinese from a Jap.

Huffington Post

A distressing series of quotes from school-leavers in an unidentified "northern town", in response to questions asked by the Social Exclusion Task Force in 2008, reveals a flat landscape scattered with chasms into which they simply assume they will fall.

The Guardian

The interviews ended with questions about participants' thoughts on the studies and whether this had been a distressing or helpful event.

BMC Medical Ethics

"It raises serious questions about how the health board deals with grievances made by families at what is undoubtedly a distressing time for them.

BBC

The interviews ended with questions about patients' and carers' thoughts on participating in the studies and whether this had been a distressing or helpful event.

BMC Medical Ethics

And a distressing solipsism..

The New Yorker

A distressing development.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and purpose of your writing when using "a distressing question". Choose alternative phrasing if a more neutral or less emotionally charged tone is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "a distressing question" too frequently in your writing, as it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound overly dramatic. Use it judiciously for maximum effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distressing question" functions as a noun phrase where "distressing" modifies the noun "question". It describes the quality or nature of the question as being upsetting or causing anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a distressing question" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, albeit relatively rare in occurrence according to Ludwig. It describes a question that causes emotional discomfort or anxiety. While primarily found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it maintains a generally neutral register. When using the phrase, consider the audience and context to ensure its emotional weight aligns with your intended message. If a more neutral tone is required, consider alternatives such as ""a troubling inquiry"" or "a difficult question". Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate use in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a troubling inquiry

Replaces "distressing" with "troubling", emphasizing the unsettling nature of the question.

a worrisome question

Substitutes "distressing" with "worrisome", highlighting the anxiety the question provokes.

an upsetting question

Uses "upsetting" instead of "distressing", focusing on the emotional impact of the question.

a disturbing question

Replaces "distressing" with "disturbing", suggesting a more profound sense of unease.

a painful question

Substitutes "distressing" with "painful", highlighting the emotional hurt caused by the question.

a sensitive question

Replaces "distressing" with "sensitive", focusing on the delicate nature of the topic.

an uncomfortable question

Uses "uncomfortable" instead of "distressing", emphasizing the awkwardness the question creates.

a difficult question

Substitutes "distressing" with "difficult", highlighting the challenging nature of the question to answer.

a challenging question

Replaces "distressing" with "challenging", focusing on the intellectual or emotional demand of the question.

a thought-provoking question

Uses "thought-provoking" instead of "distressing", suggesting that the question causes deep reflection, though it might be uneasy.

FAQs

What does "a distressing question" mean?

The phrase "a distressing question" refers to a question that causes worry, anxiety, or emotional pain. It suggests the question is upsetting or troubling in some way.

How can I use "a distressing question" in a sentence?

You can use "a distressing question" to describe a question that elicits negative emotions. For example: "During the press conference, the reporter posed "a distressing question" about the company's financial stability."

What are some synonyms for "a distressing question"?

Alternatives to "a distressing question" include "a troubling inquiry", "a worrisome question", or "an upsetting question". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "distressing" or "troubling" when describing a question?

Both "distressing" and "troubling" can effectively describe a question that causes unease. "Distressing" emphasizes the emotional pain or anxiety caused by the question, while "troubling" focuses more on the unsettling or problematic nature of the question itself.