clearly distraught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clearly distraught" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is visibly upset or distressed, often in emotional contexts. Example: "After hearing the news, she appeared clearly distraught, struggling to hold back her tears."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

People were clearly distraught.

The New Yorker

Some Homs residents were clearly distraught.

The New York Times

Klopp, though, was clearly distraught late Saturday.

The New York Times - Sports

At dusk, I came across a woman who was clearly distraught.

The New Yorker

"They say I raped a woman," the clearly distraught Tyson says onscreen.

The New Yorker

Clearly distraught, she struggled to give voice to what troubled her.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Ellen is understandably distraught.

The Economist

"Clearly he's distraught about it, very upset and very subdued," said publicist Max Clifford, speaking on behalf of Hatton.

Independent

Mrs Canella was distraught: clearly, her sexual passion had been reawakened by the man she insisted was her husband.

The Guardian

SANFORD, Fla .— The screams are clearly coming from a distraught male, whose repeated cries for help end abruptly with a gunshot.

The New York Times

Ms. Pickler and Ms. Bennett clearly didn't seem distraught; maybe that's because past runners-up have demonstrated that "American Idol" losers can have post-elimination careers.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clearly distraught" to vividly depict a character's emotional state, creating a stronger connection with your audience. For example, "Upon hearing the news of her father's illness, she was "clearly distraught", her hands trembling as she reached for the phone."

Common error

Avoid assuming the reason someone is "clearly distraught" without sufficient context or evidence. Jumping to conclusions can lead to misinterpretations and insensitive reactions. Always seek to understand the underlying cause before making assumptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clearly distraught" functions primarily as a descriptive element, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of visible emotional distress. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clearly distraught" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe someone exhibiting visible signs of emotional distress. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and suitable for various writing contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "visibly upset" or "obviously devastated" exist, the key is to accurately convey the intensity and cause of the emotional state. Remember to avoid assumptions and ensure context aligns with your portrayal to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

visibly upset

A more general term, indicating any kind of unhappiness or distress that is apparent.

noticeably distressed

Highlights that the person's distress is easily observed by others.

patently troubled

Indicates a visible and obvious state of worry or concern.

obviously devastated

Focuses more on the extreme emotional impact, implying a greater level of suffering.

evidently shaken

Focuses on the aftermath of a disturbing event, suggesting a lingering emotional impact.

plainly agitated

Emphasizes restlessness and unease, suggesting a physical manifestation of distress.

markedly disturbed

Suggests a deep emotional impact, implying a significant disruption to the person's state of mind.

unmistakably grief-stricken

Specifically denotes intense sorrow and mourning, often related to a loss.

distinctly overwrought

Implies a state of extreme emotional tension and anxiety, possibly leading to irrational behavior.

unquestionably heartbroken

Highlights the intense emotional pain and sadness, usually associated with romantic disappointment.

FAQs

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

You can use "clearly distraught" to describe someone who is visibly upset or distressed. For example, "After losing the competition, she was "clearly distraught"."

What are some alternatives to "clearly distraught"?

You can use alternatives like "visibly upset", "obviously devastated", or "noticeably distressed" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "clearly distraught" in formal writing?

Yes, "clearly distraught" is appropriate for formal writing as it is a grammatically correct and widely understood phrase. However, consider the specific tone and audience of your writing to ensure it fits the overall context.

What's the difference between "clearly distraught" and "slightly upset"?

"Clearly distraught" indicates a significant level of visible distress, while "slightly upset" suggests a milder form of unhappiness. The choice depends on the intensity of the emotion you want to convey.