become distraught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become distraught" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a state of extreme emotional distress or anxiety that someone experiences in response to a situation. Example: "After hearing the news of the accident, she began to become distraught and couldn't focus on anything else."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

He said his son had become distraught and said, in English, to the officers: "Please don't take my dad.

The New York Times

Their father, Germán, has become distraught over their idle arrogance and wants to teach them a lesson, so he invents a story about losing his company and sends them all out to get a job.

The New York Times

He wrote that Rice sent him "harassing and sexually explicit text messages", asked his children to shoot guns at photographs of the McAleers, and "caused me to become distraught and fear my life was about to end".

The Guardian

Some doctors say that the bribery culture is so endemic that when they refuse bribes, some patients become distraught and mistakenly conclude it is a sign that their illnesses are incurable.

The New York Times

Many people, when they are manhandled on to a plane, become distraught, as well you might if you were raped, tortured or imprisoned in the country you're being sent back to.

The Guardian

Mr. Weiner, who friends say has become distraught and fragile in recent days, will use the leave to think about his future and whether to leave Congress, a possibility he has not entirely ruled out, a person close to him said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Bentley became distraught.

The New York Times - Books

Later that evening, according to testimony, Stegemoller became distraught.

The New York Times - Magazine

She grows more tense as Johnson becomes distraught over Vietnam.

The New York Times - Books

When Charles couldn't wake me, he became distraught.

The Guardian - Books

Yet he is always strange, becomes distraught, and is never in command.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become distraught" when you want to convey a strong sense of emotional upset and agitation. Consider the intensity you wish to express and whether a milder synonym like "become upset" would be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "become distraught" too frequently in your writing. While it is a valid phrase, overuse can diminish its impact. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms like "become upset" or "grow anxious" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become distraught" functions as a verb phrase indicating a transition into a state of extreme emotional upset or agitation. Ludwig provides examples of its use in describing reactions to distressing events, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "become distraught" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a state of extreme emotional distress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys a significant level of agitation and upset, often in response to negative news or events. While versatile, it's important to consider the intensity you want to convey and choose appropriate synonyms to avoid overuse. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as on Wikipedia, indicating a neutral register. When writing, remember to use "become distraught" judiciously to maintain its impact and ensure clarity in conveying emotional states.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grow distraught

Indicates a gradual increase in distress, emphasizing the process of becoming upset.

become distressed

A close synonym, highlighting a state of suffering or pain, either physical or emotional.

get agitated

Focuses on restlessness and increased anxiety, implying a more outward display of unease.

grow anxious

Emphasizes worry and apprehension about future events or uncertainties.

become upset

A general term for emotional disturbance, lacking the intensity of "distraught".

become overwhelmed

Stresses the feeling of being burdened beyond one's capacity to manage.

lose composure

Highlights the loss of emotional control and the ability to remain calm.

fall apart

Suggests a breakdown in emotional stability, implying a complete loss of control.

reach breaking point

Indicates reaching the limit of one's ability to cope with stress or emotional strain.

descend into despair

Suggests a gradual decline into hopelessness and loss of spirit.

FAQs

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

You can use "become distraught" to describe someone experiencing intense emotional distress. For example, "She "became distraught" upon hearing the news".

What are some alternatives to "become distraught"?

Alternatives include "become upset", "grow anxious", or "become distressed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "become distraught" or "became distraught"?

Both are grammatically correct. "Become distraught" is the infinitive form, while "became distraught" is the past tense. Use the form that fits the tense of your sentence.

What's the difference between "become distraught" and "become sad"?

"Become sad" indicates a general feeling of unhappiness, while "become distraught" suggests a more intense and agitated state of emotional distress. "Distraught" implies a higher level of emotional upset than simply "sad".