distressing circumstance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distressing circumstance" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe an unpleasant or upsetting incident, especially when the outcome is beyond one's control. Example sentence: The sudden death of my father was a distressing circumstance that changed my life forever.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

She refuses to feel sorry for herself, always finding a way to redeem even the most distressing circumstance.

The New York Times - Books

In Kentucky and Tennessee, the full expression said to a sneezer is "Scat, Tom -- your tail's on fire," which refers to a tomcat in a distressing circumstance.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Gardner said the boy's family had conducted themselves with "great dignity in the most distressing circumstances for many years".

The Guardian

We and our families have all suffered press abuse at the hands of certain newspapers, during very distressing circumstances.

The Guardian

Many choose a home during highly distressing circumstances, with 52% of new residents admitted straight from hospital.

The Guardian

"The refugees that are in the most difficult and distressing circumstances are the least likely to be able to file," Ms. Acer said.

The New York Times

What fragile young minds in such distressing circumstances need more than anything else is some fragment of comforting normality to cling onto.

The Guardian

After publicising the distressing circumstances of my husband's death in an NHS hospital last October, I was deluged with letters.

The Guardian

They argued that there were now "particularly distressing circumstances," a provision that allowed the board to consider how deportation will affect a child's psychological health.

The New Yorker

"Forcing people to travel abroad to die or to end their own lives in this country in distressing circumstances is not consistent with patient-centred care".

The Guardian

"I played really well out there today," he said, and in the distressing circumstances no one was prepared to put up an argument.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "distressing circumstance", ensure the context clearly conveys the source and nature of the distress. Providing specific details can enhance the impact and understanding.

Common error

While "distressing circumstance" is appropriate in many situations, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider stronger, more precise vocabulary to convey specific types of distress or adversity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distressing circumstance" functions as a noun phrase, where "distressing" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "circumstance". Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distressing circumstance" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe an upsetting or troubling situation. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its correctness and usability. It finds common application across various sources, primarily in News & Media and Science, with a neutral register suitable for diverse writing styles. While alternatives like "unfortunate situation" and "difficult predicament" exist, "distressing circumstance" effectively conveys the emotional impact of adverse conditions. When employing this phrase, aim for context-specific details to enhance clarity and impact, especially in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfortunate situation

Focuses on the element of bad luck or chance involved.

difficult predicament

Emphasizes the challenging and complicated nature of the situation.

unpleasant event

Highlights the disagreeable nature of the occurrence.

troubling situation

Stresses the worrisome aspects of the circumstances.

adverse condition

Focuses on the negative impact or effect of the circumstance.

unfavorable state of affairs

Formal way to denote conditions are not positive or beneficial.

challenging situation

Highlights that the event requires effort and resolve to overcome.

tough break

Informal and emphasizes bad luck.

grim reality

Emphasizes harshness and unpleasantness that must be accepted.

unhappy incident

Highlights the sad or sorrowful nature of the event.

FAQs

How can I use "distressing circumstance" in a sentence?

You can use "distressing circumstance" to describe a difficult or upsetting situation. For example: "Losing her job was a "distressing circumstance" that affected her whole family."

What are some alternatives to "distressing circumstance"?

Alternatives include "unfortunate situation", "difficult predicament", or "troubling situation", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "distressing circumstance" or "distressing circumstances"?

Both are correct, but "distressing circumstances" refers to a combination of factors that cause distress, while "distressing circumstance" refers to a single event or situation.

What makes a circumstance "distressing"?

A "distressing circumstance" is characterized by causing significant emotional upset, anxiety, or suffering. It often involves factors that are beyond one's control and have negative consequences.