become distressed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become distressed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a change in emotional state, particularly when someone starts to feel anxiety or worry. Example: "After hearing the news, she began to become distressed about the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Secondly, if they become distressed they would like their distress acknowledged and to be treated personally, or cared for.

BMC Women's Health

83 The school psychologist will be available for children to be referred to if they are distressed by the discussion in the focus groups, or if they become distressed during completion of the instrument.

BMJ Open

Although our findings of high levels of distress may be influenced by the proportionally larger number of videos showing 2-month old infants, who may exhibit higher levels of distress than older infants [ 41], infants of all ages can become distressed during immunizations [ 38, 40].

BMC Pediatrics

On the whole, the GPs and PNs did not differentiate between depression in patients with CHD and depression in other patients; it was thought that individuals may 'naturally' become distressed following a diagnosis of CHD or a cardiac event, but only when distress becomes severe and enduring is it seen as depression requiring treatment.

BMC Family Practice

It is possible that the association between unmet need and psychological distress is bidirectional, in that disabled elderly persons with unmet need may become distressed as a result of the daily and difficult struggle to perform ADL, while psychological distress may prevent disabled elderly persons from actively seeking help and/or being able to accept help when it is offered.

BMC Geriatrics

The minute they become distressed we stop.

The New York Times

Later, when the penny drops, she will become distressed.

The Guardian - Opinion

If smart tools become popular, purists could become distressed.

The New York Times - Tech

Are you likely to become distressed when the phone service or electricity goes down, or can you handle occasional disruptions?

The New York Times

They expect engagement: if a moving object becomes still, they merely lose interest; if a person's face becomes still, however, they become distressed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Imagine a medical student who is training to be a surgeon but who fears that he'll become distressed if he sees or handles blood.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a gradual onset of emotional distress, "become distressed" is more suitable than terms that imply a sudden, immediate reaction. It highlights the process of reaching a state of distress.

Common error

While "become distressed" is generally acceptable, overuse in highly formal writing can make the writing sound repetitive. Instead, diversify by using more precise synonyms such as "develop anxiety", "experience anguish", or "grow apprehensive" to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become distressed" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the process or action of entering a state of emotional distress. It describes a change in emotional condition, transitioning from a state of calm or neutrality to one of unease or suffering, as seen in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

58%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become distressed" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the process of entering a state of emotional upset. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While frequently found in formal and scientific writing, it also appears in news and general content. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "get upset" or "grow anxious". Remember to use "become distressed" when indicating a change in emotional state rather than an immediate reaction. By diversifying your vocabulary with synonyms, you can refine your writing and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get upset

This alternative is less formal and implies a milder form of emotional distress.

grow anxious

This alternative focuses specifically on the development of anxiety.

start to worry

This alternative highlights the cognitive aspect of distress, emphasizing concern and apprehension.

feel agitated

This alternative emphasizes a state of restlessness and unease.

experience anxiety

This alternative focuses on the sensation of anxiety as an event that is happening.

be overwhelmed

This alternative focuses on being overburdened emotionally or mentally.

lose composure

This alternative suggests a loss of self-control due to distress.

fall apart

This alternative indicates a complete breakdown in emotional stability.

crack under pressure

This alternative refers to a specific type of breakdown caused by stress.

reach breaking point

This alternative describes the moment when someone can no longer cope with stress or pressure.

FAQs

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

You can use "become distressed" to describe someone's emotional state, such as: "She may "become distressed" if she doesn't receive well planned care" or "Children can "become distressed" during completion of the instrument".

What are some alternatives to "become distressed"?

Alternatives include "get upset", "grow anxious", or "start to worry", depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "become distressed" instead of "became distressed"?

"Become distressed" is used when describing a potential or ongoing situation, whereas "became distressed" is used for past events. For example, "They may "become distressed" if they feel they are not receiving well planned care" (potential) vs. "She "became distressed" after hearing the news" (past event).

What's the difference between "become distressed" and "become anxious"?

"Become distressed" is a broader term encompassing various forms of emotional upset, while "become anxious" specifically refers to the development of anxiety. "Distressed" can include feelings of sadness, agitation, or overwhelm, whereas "anxious" focuses solely on feelings of worry or unease.