a source of distress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a source of distress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes emotional or mental suffering or discomfort. Example: "The constant noise from the construction site became a source of distress for the residents living nearby."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Every day I encounter a Richard Parker of sorts, sometimes a source of comfort, sometimes a source of distress.

The Guardian - Books

Ms. Hendrix denies the contentions in the suit, saying Leon Hendrix was a source of distress to Al Hendrix and was estranged from him.

The New York Times

"Whatever our religious creed or political conviction, abortion on this scale can only be a source of distress and profound anguish for us all.

The Guardian

Saturday said Pash had done most of the talking in negotiations, and the lack of direct contact with owners was a source of distress for players.

The New York Times - Sports

To Thailand's royalist movement the monarch is the nation's father, and the "fighting children" on the streets are a source of distress to him.

The Economist

Because sports for women and men must have parity under federal education law, the academy changed some of its traditional men's varsity teams to club sports, a source of distress for some graduates.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Rhodes's ex-wife had brought an injunction against the book on the grounds that it would be a source of potential distress to their son.

The Guardian

On his 85th birthday, he remarked that he had been "overestimated," though, he added, "I will not pretend that this has been a source of grave distress".

The New Yorker

It's a lot easier, and more fun, to experience the war as a passive form of entertainment than as a source of moral distress requiring citizen activism," Almond wrote.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

(When I first began talking to Zuckerman, he made it clear that Linde's health was a source of great distress to him. In May, Linde relinquished the title of president to his son Doug, who has been with Boston Properties since 1997; he remains the C.E.O).

The New Yorker

Entrepreneurs would be emboldened to invest and households might feel freer to spend, without fear of future tax increases to help repay the debt.Keynesians are right that deficits, so far, have been more a symptom than a source of economic distress.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a source of distress", ensure the context clearly identifies what is causing the distress and for whom. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

While accurate, "a source of distress" can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a cause of concern" or "a trigger for anxiety" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a source of distress" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something causing emotional or mental suffering. Ludwig provides examples that demonstrate this function in various contexts, from personal relationships to societal issues.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

53%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a source of distress" effectively pinpoints causes of suffering, worry, or trouble. Ludwig's analysis confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media and scientific writing. While versatile, remember to vary your phrasing to prevent repetition, and always specify what's causing the distress. As highlighted in Ludwig's AI response, clarity is key to impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cause of suffering

This alternative directly replaces "distress" with "suffering", maintaining a high degree of semantic equivalence.

a source of anxiety

This alternative emphasizes the mental and emotional unease caused by something.

a reason for concern

This phrase shifts the focus to worry and apprehension, rather than outright suffering.

a trigger for worry

This phrase highlights the activation of anxious thoughts or feelings.

a cause of anguish

This implies a deeper, more profound level of suffering than the original phrase.

a generator of pain

This alternative focuses on the infliction of pain, whether physical or emotional.

a root of unhappiness

This suggests a fundamental cause of dissatisfaction and discontent.

a wellspring of grief

This alternative evokes a strong sense of sorrow and loss.

an origin of trouble

This phrase is more general and refers to difficulties or problems.

a fountain of woe

This uses more poetic language, emphasizing deep sadness and misfortune.

FAQs

How can I use "a source of distress" in a sentence?

You can use "a source of distress" to describe something that causes worry, suffering, or trouble. For example, "The constant noise was a source of distress for the neighbors."

What are some alternatives to "a source of distress"?

You can use alternatives like "a cause of suffering", "a reason for concern", or "a source of anxiety" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a source of distress" too formal for everyday conversation?

While not overly formal, "a source of distress" might be better suited for writing or more serious conversations. In casual settings, simpler phrases like "something that's upsetting" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a source of distress" and "a source of stress"?

"A source of stress" refers to something that causes tension or pressure, while "a source of distress" implies a deeper level of emotional suffering or pain. They're related, but "distress" suggests a more negative impact.