distressing circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

"distressing circumstances" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe difficult or unfortunate situations that cause emotional distress or discomfort. Example: Despite all of the distressing circumstances surrounding her, Karen remained strong and resilient.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

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

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

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

"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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 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

One participant highlighted that the stress attributed to menopause symptoms could lead to a downward spiral of distressing life circumstances and reduced quality of life, creating a negative perspective of the experience.

BMC Women's Health

Live feeds can succumb to all sorts of technical hitches that might be very distressing in the circumstances.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Return would cut off their supply of life-saving drugs, and: "what use would I be to him dead?" The situation was especially distressing when changing circumstances meant the children at home had to be passed between carers: "… that is the thing that is really eating me up …I am here and my children are on their own" (Anderson & Doyal, 2004; Doyal & Anderson, 2005).

AIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and adjust the tone accordingly; while "distressing circumstances" is generally appropriate, more specific or sensitive language might be needed for specialized contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "distressing circumstances" repeatedly in the same paragraph. Vary your language with synonyms like "difficult situations" or "traumatic experiences" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distressing circumstances" functions as a noun phrase, where 'distressing' modifies 'circumstances'. It describes situations that are the cause of emotional or mental suffering. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. The examples illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Opinion

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Lifestyle

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distressing circumstances" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe situations that cause emotional suffering. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. As the analysis shows, it appears most often in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider synonyms like "difficult situations" or "traumatic experiences" for nuanced expression and to avoid repetition. The phrase's neutral-to-formal register makes it suitable for professional and academic writing, emphasizing empathy when discussing sensitive matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trying circumstances

Emphasizes the test of endurance or patience the situation presents.

difficult situations

Focuses more on the challenge presented by the situation rather than the emotional impact.

painful situations

Focuses specifically on the emotional pain caused by the situation.

challenging situations

Similar to 'difficult situations', but focuses on the demands and effort required.

unfortunate events

Highlights the negative outcome and element of bad luck involved.

adverse conditions

Highlights unfavorable and negative conditions.

unfavorable circumstances

Similar to 'adverse conditions' but with a slightly broader scope.

traumatic experiences

Emphasizes the potentially lasting psychological harm caused.

grim realities

Highlights the harsh and unpleasant truth of the situation.

hard times

A more general and less formal way to describe a period of difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "distressing circumstances" to describe situations that cause emotional or mental suffering. For example, "The family faced many distressing circumstances after the accident."

What are some alternatives to "distressing circumstances"?

Alternatives include "difficult situations", "traumatic experiences", or "unfortunate events", depending on the specific context.

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

"Distressing circumstances" emphasizes the emotional impact, while "difficult circumstances" focuses on the challenge or hardship involved. The best choice depends on the intended emphasis.

What's the difference between "distressing circumstances" and "distressing situation"?

"Distressing circumstances" implies a set of conditions or a combination of factors, while "distressing situation" refers to a single, specific event or occurrence.