as distraught as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as distraught as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare someone's level of distress or emotional turmoil to that of another person or situation. Example: "After hearing the news, she was as distraught as her friend who had just lost a loved one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"I'm as distraught as the mothers who lost their children.

The New York Times

But, even when he's actually in their company, Mr. Angst is as distraught as ever.

The New Yorker

While children under 5 are the most vulnerable, young adults are as distraught as school-age children.

The New York Times

"We're just as distraught as anybody else," says Troy Newman, who runs Operation Rescue, a group that often picketed Dr Tiller's clinic in Wichita.

The Economist

Looking almost as distraught as the father and child, the court officer approached the two and tentatively touched the little girl's shoulder.

The New York Times - Magazine

Moyes, whose press secretary shut down any questions about the imminent signing of Mata, did not look as distraught as he might have been, when he gave his press conference.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Hours later, Al Jazeera, the Arabic-language television network, broadcast a video it had received showing Ms. Hassan seated in a room, looking distraught, as well as close-ups of her identification cards.

The New York Times

Not that McClaren could have been described as distraught at bowing out of the competition.

The Guardian - Sport

Lullabies may help quiet babies, but they can soothe their sometimes equally distraught mothers as well.

The New York Times

And they must be as distraught over this as all of us are".

The Guardian

The friends described Ms. Hanover as distraught.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing emotional states, ensure that the comparison is clear and relevant to the context. Using "as distraught as" effectively conveys a high degree of emotional distress.

Common error

Avoid using "as distraught as" in situations that warrant a milder expression of concern. Overstating the level of distress can diminish the impact and seem insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as distraught as" functions primarily as an adjective phrase used for comparison. It equates the level of emotional distress experienced by one subject to that of another. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as distraught as" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to compare levels of emotional distress. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to emphasize the intensity of someone's emotional state by drawing comparisons. While versatile, it's important to ensure the context warrants such a strong expression of emotion. Alternatives like "equally distressed" or "similarly anguished" may be suitable for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

No less distraught than

Uses a double negative to affirm a comparable level of distress.

Similarly distressed

Emphasizes the similarity in the experience of distress.

Equally distressed

Focuses on the state of being distressed to the same degree.

As anguished as

Replaces "distraught" with a synonym that emphasizes deep suffering.

Just as upset as

Uses a more general term ("upset") for a less intense emotional state.

As devastated as

Emphasizes the feeling of being overwhelmed by grief or shock.

As troubled as

Uses a less intense and more general synonym for distress.

As heartbroken as

Specifically refers to emotional pain related to loss or disappointment.

As grief-stricken as

Highlights the intense sorrow experienced after a significant loss.

As tormented as

Suggests a state of severe mental or physical suffering.

FAQs

How can I use "as distraught as" in a sentence?

You can use "as distraught as" to compare someone's level of distress to another person or situation, for example, "She was "as distraught as" her friend after hearing the news".

What are some alternatives to "as distraught as"?

Some alternatives include "equally distressed", "as anguished as", or "just as upset as" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "as distraught as" in formal writing?

While "as distraught as" is generally acceptable, in highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "equally distressed" or "similarly anguished" to maintain a more refined tone.

What's the difference between "as distraught as" and "as upset as"?

"As distraught as" implies a higher level of emotional distress compared to "as upset as", which suggests a milder form of emotional disturbance.