be distressed

USAGE SUMMARY

"be distressed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone is feeling overwhelmed or worried about something. Example: She was so distressed by the bad news that she was unable to speak.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was no time to be distressed".I ask him whether workers wanted to leave.

The Economist

"There will always be distressed buildings to do," said Harold De Rienzo, president of Catch.

The New York Times

"Do not weep and be distressed," she tells them, and, sure enough, they pull themselves together.

The New York Times

Right now, asset sales would be distressed and wouldn't get the best price".

The Guardian - Business

There is more to be distressed about, on behalf of babies, parents, and the people who work with them.

The New Yorker

But even the most attuned American will be distressed anew at this stark reminder of how so many others live.

The New York Times - Arts

"Do not be distressed," I informed him as Sammy Davis, Jr., Jr., punched her head against the window.

The New Yorker

"The animal may be distressed and they are strong and powerful animals so members of the public are advised not to approach it".

Independent

That backlog is clearing, with only 11% of sales in 2014 expected to be distressed stock, according to Lawrence Yun, the NAR's chief economist.

The Economist

When reacting to an adult who is pretending to be distressed, for example, identical twins behave more like each other than do fraternal twins.

The New York Times

One of them, though, is a cartoon, while there is more to be distressed about in the other one than the mere fecklessness of its father figures.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be distressed" in formal writing, ensure the context clearly indicates the cause of the distress to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "be distressed" is grammatically correct, using it too often in casual conversation can sound overly dramatic. Opt for more common and lighter expressions like "be upset" or "be worried" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be distressed" primarily functions as a stative verb phrase, indicating a state or condition of emotional suffering or anxiety. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase is commonly used to describe a state of emotional upset, as seen in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

27%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be distressed" is a versatile verb phrase used to express a state of emotional or mental suffering. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts. Analysis of the provided examples reveals that it is commonly found in "News & Media" and scientific sources, indicating a neutral tone. While interchangeable with phrases like "be worried" or "be upset", "be distressed" often conveys a deeper sense of unease. Remember to consider your audience and the level of formality when choosing whether to use "be distressed" or a more casual alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be worried

Focuses on the feeling of anxiety or concern, a common aspect of being distressed.

be anxious

Highlights the aspect of unease and apprehension.

be upset

Emphasizes emotional disturbance or unhappiness.

be concerned

Implies a state of worry or interest in a problem or issue.

be troubled

Suggests a state of worry or difficulty.

be agitated

Indicates a state of being disturbed or excited.

be disturbed

Focuses on the disruption of peace or tranquility.

be alarmed

Highlights a sense of sudden fear or apprehension.

be fearful

Emphasizes the feeling of fear or apprehension.

be apprehensive

Implies a feeling of anxiety about the future.

FAQs

How can I use "be distressed" in a sentence?

You can use "be distressed" to describe someone experiencing significant emotional or mental strain. For instance, "She was deeply distressed by the news" or "He seemed distressed about the project's failure".

What are some alternatives to saying "be distressed"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "be worried", "be upset", or "be concerned" to express similar feelings.

Is it better to say "be distressed" or "be upsetting"?

"Be distressed" describes the state of a person experiencing distress, while "be upsetting" describes something that causes distress. For example, "She was distressed by the upsetting news".

What is the difference between "be distressed" and "be distraught"?

"Be distressed" indicates a state of worry or unease, while "be distraught" suggests a more extreme state of emotional distress or agitation. "Be distraught" implies a higher level of emotional turmoil.