distressed for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distressed for" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a feeling of being in a state of great worry or suffering. This phrase is typically used before a noun or noun phrase to specify the cause of distress. Example: After losing his job, John was distressed for money and struggled to pay his bills. Example: The community was distressed for food and clean water after the natural disaster destroyed their supplies.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

When Martin, a regular caller, phones us he is often too distressed for even his name to be understood.

The Guardian

Gabrielle was distressed, for instance, that she was quoted in one report saying her brother died a virgin.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When reacting to an adult who is pretending to be distressed, for example, identical twins behave more like each other than do fraternal twins.

The New York Times

An analyst with Lehman Brothers, Brian Johnson, said the overall economy was simply too distressed for investors to feel upbeat about the Detroit companies.

The New York Times

"I was so despairing and so distressed for so much of the 90s, convinced that I would end up possibly homeless or as some kind of fringe dweller".

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Blair was told about the discovery of the body during a flight to Tokyo from Washington today, and upon his arrival, his spokesman said, "The prime minister is obviously very distressed for the family".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

To get it done, there will have to be compromises, most likely involving a big bailout for distressed homeowners for which Democrats are clamoring.

Forbes

Dinner jackets can be found at second-hand stores for relatively cheap, often in rad patterns and pre-distressed for vintage comfort.

WikiHow

Still, competing interests were already complicating the negotiations, as Democrats pushed for assistance for distressed homeowners and for oversight authority of the bailout program.

The New York Times

Gifted Lil Ones handed out gift certificates for custom handmade distressed denim for - who else - lil ones!

Huffington Post

5 Systematic screening using the ECOG can nonetheless increase case recognition and allow for referral of distressed patients for consultation-liaison or ideally psycho-oncology services.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distressed for" to express concern or sympathy for someone's situation or well-being. This phrase is most effective when emphasizing the emotional impact of an event or circumstance on an individual or group.

Common error

Avoid using "distressed for" when "distressed about" is more appropriate. "Distressed for" typically implies concern for someone else's situation, while "distressed about" indicates personal distress about something. For instance, say "I am distressed for the victims" to show sympathy, but "I am distressed about the news" to express personal worry.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distressed for" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a subject, indicating a state of emotional suffering or concern experienced by that subject on behalf of another. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and used to describe a state of great worry or suffering.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "distressed for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey empathy and concern for someone's suffering, as confirmed by Ludwig. It most often appears in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. While related phrases like "concerned about" and "worried about" offer similar meanings, "distressed for" is uniquely suited to expressing sympathy for another's situation. When writing, it's essential to distinguish between "distressed for," which implies concern for someone, and "distressed about," which signifies personal worry. Avoiding this error, coupled with understanding appropriate usage, ensures clear and effective communication. In conclusion, understanding the nuances of "distressed for" empowers writers to express empathy accurately and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concerned for

Mirrors "distressed for" but is slightly more formal. It indicates worry about someone's well-being or a situation.

worried about

Directly conveys a state of anxiety or concern, similar to "distressed for", but can also refer to future events.

concerned about

Expresses a sense of worry or unease about something, similar to being distressed, but often milder.

anxious about

Implies a state of worry and nervousness, often about potential problems or future events.

upset about

Suggests emotional distress due to a specific event or situation, similar to being distressed.

saddened by

Expresses sorrow or unhappiness caused by something, conveying a similar emotional tone to "distressed for".

sympathetic to

Expresses compassion and understanding for someone's suffering or distress.

sorry for

Conveys regret or compassion, similar to feeling distressed for someone's situation.

grieved by

Indicates deep sorrow or mourning, often associated with loss or significant distress.

compassionate towards

Highlights a feeling of empathy and care for someone who is experiencing distress.

FAQs

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

Use "distressed for" to express feelings of worry or sympathy towards someone or something. For example, "I am "distressed for" the families affected by the disaster."

What are some alternative phrases to "distressed for"?

You can use alternatives such as "concerned about", "worried about", or "sympathetic to" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "distressed for" or "distressed about"?

The choice depends on the context. Use "distressed for" when expressing sympathy or concern for someone else's situation. Use "distressed about" when describing your own feelings of distress regarding a situation.

What does it mean to be "distressed for" someone?

To be "distressed for" someone means to feel a deep sense of worry, sorrow, or concern for their suffering or difficult situation. It indicates empathy and a desire to alleviate their pain.