became disturbed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became disturbed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a change in someone's emotional state, indicating that they have started to feel unsettled or troubled. Example: "After hearing the news, she became disturbed and needed some time to process her feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

In 1993, Bachmann became disturbed by schoolwork the foster children were bringing home.

The New Yorker

Conservationists became disturbed as the pattern of spraying huge areas began to establish itself.

The New Yorker

He said he became disturbed that the Navy was using Vieques Island in Puerto Rico as a bombing range for exercises, and that he helped disrupt communications.

The New York Times - Tech

The frontman soon became disturbed by the attention his good looks brought him, and he recoiled at the advances of fans.

The Guardian - Music

Through his experience in Iraq, witnessing suffering of innocent civilians and soldiers alike, he became disturbed by top-level policy that undervalued human life.

The Guardian - Opinion

In 1916 his father took the family back to Spain, where he became disturbed by the high incidence of intestinal disorders, especially among children.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

At times, reaction on the internet became disturbing.

The Guardian - Music

During one hot summer, residents were dying of heat stroke in rooms that had no air-conditioning or fans, and often were not discovered until the odors became disturbing.

The New York Times

A divinity student sitting next to him becomes disturbed at this outburst, and begins his conversion.

The New Yorker

But midway through her presentation to a group of medical professionals, she becomes disturbed by a young woman in attendance wearing nothing but a yellow bikini.

The New York Times

Prebleman had become disturbed with the fact that the clothes he had made for him by Hawfinch & Mealworm clothiers in London always arrived too small to fit him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "became disturbed" to describe a noticeable shift in someone's emotional state, indicating a negative reaction to a specific event or situation.

Common error

While "became disturbed" is acceptable, consider stronger verbs like "was appalled" or "felt horrified" in formal writing to convey a deeper emotional impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became disturbed" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a change in emotional state. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It often serves as the main verb within a clause, describing how a subject's feelings or mental state transitioned to one of unease or concern. Examples from Ludwig show it describing reactions to troubling news, disturbing images, or unsettling events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "became disturbed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively describes a shift to an emotional state of unease, worry, or agitation. Ludwig examples show its presence across various contexts from News & Media to Science. Though versatile, it's important to be mindful of the register, especially in formal contexts where more impactful verbs might be more suitable. For closely related alternatives, consider phrases like "grew anxious" or "became unsettled".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became unsettled

Focuses on a feeling of instability or unease.

grew anxious

Focuses more on a feeling of worry or unease.

turned uneasy

Emphasizes the change in feeling to a state of discomfort.

got worried

Highlights the development of concern about something.

felt agitated

Conveys a sense of restlessness or unease.

became alarmed

Indicates a higher level of anxiety and a sense of danger.

grew apprehensive

Focuses on anticipation of future trouble or uncertainty.

turned perturbed

Suggests a state of being unsettled or bothered.

got disquieted

Indicates a loss of peace and tranquility.

felt concern

A more general term indicating worry or interest.

FAQs

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

You can use "became disturbed" to describe someone's emotional reaction to an event, such as "He "became disturbed" by the graphic images in the news report."

What's the difference between "became disturbed" and "became upset"?

"Became disturbed" implies a deeper sense of unease or mental disquiet, while "became upset" suggests a more general emotional distress.

What can I say instead of "became disturbed"?

Alternatives include "grew anxious", "became unsettled", or "turned uneasy" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, it is acceptable, but in formal contexts, consider using more impactful verbs to emphasize the emotional intensity if needed. For instance, consider options like "was alarmed" or "felt horrified".