distraught about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distraught about" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a person's emotional state when they are deeply upset, overwhelmed, or troubled about something. Examples: 1. She was distraught about her failing grades and couldn't stop crying. 2. The parents were distraught about their child's illness and sought the best medical treatment. 3. The residents were distraught about the destruction caused by the hurricane and came together to help each other. 4. He seemed distraught about the loss of his job and was struggling to find a new one. 5. The entire community was distraught about the sudden death of their beloved mayor.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In Brazil and elsewhere, local media depicted youngsters distraught about lost rent and tuition fees and unfinished degrees.

The Economist

I don't feel distraught about it.

Independent

I'm borderline distraught about this.

The Guardian - Film

My parents are really distraught about that".

The New York Times

Many people feel quite distraught about that.

The Guardian

He said Issel was distraught about the situation.

The New York Times - Sports

Immaculate Agwame, a group member, was distraught about the theft.

The Guardian

And then I was distraught about this situation.

The New Yorker

But he is distraught about being laid off.

The New York Times

She's 91 and is distraught about what happened".

The Guardian - Sport

He was distraught about losing his second family, who he said loved him very much.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "distraught about", ensure the context clearly indicates the cause of the distress. For instance, instead of saying "She was distraught", specify "She was distraught about the accident".

Common error

Avoid using "distraught about" for minor inconveniences or mild disappointments. This phrase implies a significant level of emotional distress; using it inappropriately can diminish its impact when describing genuinely serious situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distraught about" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a subject and describing their emotional state. It indicates a state of extreme worry, agitation, or upset, as exemplified by the Ludwig examples where individuals are "distraught about" situations ranging from lost tuition fees to family emergencies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "distraught about" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a state of extreme worry or emotional distress. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in various contexts, particularly in news and media, to convey the intensity of someone's negative emotions. While the phrase is versatile, it’s crucial to reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong description, avoiding overuse in milder scenarios. For alternative expressions, consider "deeply upset about", "very worried about", or "extremely concerned about", each carrying slightly different nuances. When using "distraught about", always ensure the cause of the distress is clear to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeply upset about

This alternative uses a more general term "upset" to describe the emotional state, making it slightly less intense than "distraught".

very worried about

This alternative shifts the focus to worry, emphasizing the anxious aspect of being distraught.

extremely concerned about

Focuses on a state of high concern, suitable for more formal contexts.

devastated by

Indicates a stronger sense of emotional ruin or destruction, suggesting a deeper impact.

beside oneself with worry over

This alternative is more emphatic and idiomatic, suggesting a state of extreme agitation and concern.

inconsolable about

Highlights the inability to be comforted, emphasizing the depth of sadness.

panic-stricken about

Focuses specifically on the element of panic within the distress, suggesting fear and anxiety.

anguished over

Suggests a prolonged and profound suffering, often due to a difficult situation.

grief-stricken about

Specifically refers to a state of intense sorrow and mourning, usually following a loss.

heartbroken over

Implies a deep emotional pain, often associated with romantic disappointment or loss.

FAQs

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

Use "distraught about" to describe someone who is deeply upset or worried about something. For example, "The parents were "anxious about" their child's health", or "He was "worried about" losing his job".

What are some alternatives to saying "distraught about"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "deeply upset about", "very worried about", or "extremely concerned about".

Is it correct to say "distraught for" instead of "distraught about"?

While "distraught" can sometimes be followed by "for", it's more common and generally preferred to use "distraught about" when indicating the cause of the distress. "Distraught for" might be used to express sorrow for someone else's suffering, but "distraught about" is used to express your own feeling about something.

What's the difference between "distraught about" and "concerned about"?

"Distraught about" indicates a higher level of emotional distress and agitation than "concerned about". While both express worry, "distraught" suggests a more overwhelming and deeply upsetting experience.