being disturbed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being disturbed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in any context where something or someone has had its peace or tranquility interrupted. For example: "The children were playing in the yard when the loud noises of construction work started, causing them to feel disturbed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He never stopped being disturbed.

The New Yorker

Many others dislike being disturbed.

The Economist

Life is being disturbed.

The Guardian - Opinion

That peace is already being disturbed.

The New York Times

I don't like being disturbed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Now, the delicate equilibrium is being disturbed.

The New York Times

"I resent being disturbed in this way.

The Guardian

Gordon Brown was reportedly furious at not being disturbed.

The Guardian - Opinion

The risks include sediment being disturbed by severe weather.

The Guardian

I don't remember ever being disturbed by the noise.

The New York Times

It is not just the prisoners who are being disturbed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's emotional state, consider using "being disturbed" to convey a sense of unease or agitation caused by an external factor. This is particularly useful when the source of the disturbance is clear.

Common error

Avoid using "being disturbed" as a blanket term for any negative emotion. While it can imply upset, it specifically denotes a disruption or interruption that causes unease. Use more precise language if the emotion stems from internal feelings rather than external interference.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "being disturbed" is as a passive verb phrase. It typically functions as part of a larger sentence, indicating that a subject is experiencing an interruption or disruption.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

25%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being disturbed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive verb phrase that effectively conveys a sense of interruption or unease caused by an external factor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media and Science sources. Related phrases include "feeling disrupted" and "experiencing interference". When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects an external disruption, avoiding its misuse as a general synonym for 'upset'. By understanding these nuances, you can confidently and correctly incorporate "being disturbed" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling disrupted

Focuses on the emotional sensation of interruption or unease caused by an external factor.

encountering disruption

Highlights the act of being interrupted or thrown into disorder.

suffering interruption

Focuses on the negative impact of being stopped or hindered.

experiencing interference

Highlights the act of something hindering or obstructing a process or state.

enduring disturbance

Highlights the act of bearing or tolerating a disruption.

having peace interrupted

Emphasizes the loss of tranquility or serenity.

affected by interference

Indicates that something has been influenced or changed due to an external disruption.

subjected to disruption

Conveys that something or someone is being forced to experience a disturbance.

facing intrusion

Conveys a sense of unwanted or unwelcome entry into a space or situation.

finding serenity broken

Emphasizes the shattering of a peaceful or calm state.

FAQs

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

You can use "being disturbed" to describe a state of interruption or unease caused by something. For instance, "The animals are vulnerable to "being disturbed by humans"." or "I don't like "being disturbed" when I'm working".

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

"Being disturbed" implies an interruption or disruption causing unease, whereas "being upset" suggests a general state of unhappiness or sadness. You can be upset without "being disturbed", and vice versa, although they can overlap.

What can I say instead of "being disturbed"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "feeling disrupted", "experiencing interference", or "having peace interrupted".

Is it correct to say "being disturbing" instead of "being disturbed"?

No, "being disturbing" is not the same as "being disturbed". "Being disturbing" means causing disturbance to others, while "being disturbed" means experiencing a disturbance yourself. The choice depends on who or what is the subject of the sentence.