distraught over

USAGE SUMMARY

"distraught over" is correct and can be used in written English.
The phrase is used to express extreme distress or feeling overwhelmed about something. Example: "The family was distraught over the sudden loss of their loved one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Anderson's neighbors were distraught over news of his death.

The New York Times

She grows more tense as Johnson becomes distraught over Vietnam.

The New York Times - Books

She was distraught over the treatment of her dying mother.

Harvard Business Review

He said he was distraught over injuries to his hands.

The New York Times - Style

Mr. Adler said his client was very distraught over this.

The New York Times

In fact, that man's mother said he was distraught over her death.

The New York Times

He left a note explaining that he was distraught over an alleged love affair.

The New Yorker

She took down names and consoled parents who cried, distraught over their children's being unmatched.

The New York Times

She has been so distraught over Ashley's death that she has trouble leaving the house.

The New Yorker

Jeffrey Paul Delisle, 41, said he began selling secrets in 2007 while distraught over marital problems.

The New York Times

The following year, distraught over the breakdown of her relationship with Imlay, she attempted suicide.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distraught over" when you want to emphasize a high level of emotional distress caused by a specific event or situation. Avoid using it for minor inconveniences or mild disappointments.

Common error

Don't use "distraught over" for situations where "concerned about" or "unhappy with" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

Distraught over functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of extreme emotional distress or agitation. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples show individuals, groups, or even entire communities experiencing intense emotional upset related to specific events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distraught over" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a state of extreme emotional distress. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct, and it commonly appears in contexts like "News & Media", "Wiki", and "Academia". While numerous alternatives exist, such as "anguished about" or "devastated by", "distraught over" conveys a specific intensity of emotional upset. Remember to use it appropriately, avoiding overuse in situations that warrant milder terms like "concerned about". This guide provides insights into its correct usage, common errors to avoid, and related phrases for diverse writing needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anguished about

Focuses more on deep mental or emotional suffering.

devastated by

Implies a more profound and lasting sense of loss or shock.

grief-stricken about

Specifies that the distress stems from grief.

beside oneself with worry about

Emphasizes a state of extreme anxiety and agitation.

inconsolable over

Highlights the inability to be comforted.

extremely concerned about

Less intense, focusing on worry rather than overwhelming distress.

deeply saddened by

Focuses on sorrow rather than extreme mental upset.

upset by

A milder term for emotional disturbance.

worried about

Indicates concern but not necessarily distress.

agitated by

Focuses on restlessness and unease.

FAQs

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

You can use "distraught over" to describe someone's extreme emotional distress regarding a particular situation. For example: "The neighbors were "distraught over" the news."

What are some alternatives to saying "distraught over"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "anguished about", "devastated by", or "extremely concerned about".

Is "distraught over" formal or informal?

"Distraught over" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts to convey significant emotional distress.

What's the difference between ""distraught over"" and "upset over"?

"Distraught over" indicates a more extreme level of emotional distress than "upset over", which suggests a milder form of disappointment or concern.