became distressed

USAGE SUMMARY

"became distressed" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone was overwhelmed by worry or fear. For example: When he heard the news, he became distressed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She became distressed; Dad was exhausted.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After going out on the pitch Max became distressed.

Independent

News of the PNG ruling reached detainees on Nauru, who became distressed that they saw no end to their situation.

The Guardian

It was reported that she became distressed at missing the flight because she did not have funds to pay for a new one.

Independent

Witnesses at the crowded beach on Friday said that Tiara and a friend, Carla Armaza, 16, became distressed while swimming together in waves about three feet high.

The New York Times

According to the ABC, Nemati became distressed after officials began removing his belongings and he attempted to take his own life.

The Guardian

After the flight attendant refused to administer oxygen to Ms. Desir, she became distressed, pleading, "Don't let me die," Mr. Oliver recalled.

The New York Times

Many underlying loans were made by mortgage lenders that later became distressed or defunct, including three of the largest: the Countrywide Financial Corporation, the American Home Mortgage Investment Corporation, and IndyMac Bancorp.

The New York Times

But when Beth came across Fiona's musical choices scribbled on the back of an envelope, she became distressed: she thought she had seen the pieces her mother wanted played at her own funeral.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Unable to speak English, Mr. Dziekanski became distressed and began shouting in Polish, moving furniture around, shoving a computer off a desk in an arrival area and, at one point, throwing a chair.

The New York Times

Coontz reveals that partway through her research, she had encountered so few African-American or working-class women who had read "The Feminine Mystique" that she became distressed: "The book's appeal seemed to be concentrated among such a relatively privileged section of women".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "became distressed" when you want to emphasize the process of someone entering a state of emotional or mental upset rather than simply stating they are distressed.

Common error

Avoid using "became distressed" for minor inconveniences. It suggests a significant level of emotional or mental suffering. Use words with weaker connotation instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became distressed" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a change in emotional or mental state. It typically follows a subject and precedes any additional information about the cause or manifestation of the distress. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correctly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "became distressed" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase to describe the onset of emotional or mental upset. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific writing. While it can be used in a general sense, remember that "became distressed" suggests a significant level of upset, so use it appropriately. Consider alternatives like "became upset" or "became anxious" if the situation warrants a less intense description. When using this phrase, ensure you are accurately conveying the gravity of the situation and the emotional impact on the individual involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became upset

Focuses on a general feeling of unhappiness or disappointment.

became agitated

Emphasizes restlessness and anxiety.

became anxious

Highlights worry and apprehension about a future event.

became troubled

Suggests a state of worry and concern, often about a specific problem.

became worried

Implies concern and unease, often about something specific.

became disturbed

Indicates a feeling of unease and interruption of peace of mind.

became distraught

Suggests extreme emotional distress and agitation.

became perturbed

Implies a mild feeling of anxiety or unease.

grew anxious

Focuses on the gradual onset of anxiety.

grew uneasy

Highlights a growing sense of apprehension or discomfort.

FAQs

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

You can use "became distressed" to describe someone entering a state of emotional or mental upset, as in "She "became distressed" after hearing the news".

What are some alternatives to "became distressed"?

Alternatives include "became upset", "became anxious", or "became worried", depending on the specific emotion you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "became distressed" in formal writing?

Yes, "became distressed" is appropriate in formal writing when describing a genuine state of emotional or mental suffering. The register is neutral.

What's the difference between "became distressed" and "was distressed"?

"Became distressed" emphasizes the transition into a state of distress, while "was distressed" describes a state of being. The first focuses on a change of emotional/mental status whereas the second one simply indicates such status.