distressing ideas

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distressing ideas" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing thoughts or concepts that cause emotional discomfort or anxiety. Example: "The article presented several distressing ideas about the future of our planet that left me feeling uneasy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

That it should also play a significant role in paranoia is hardly surprising: after all, worry tempts us to give houseroom to the most implausible and distressing ideas.

The Guardian

Distraction: Keep your thoughts from turning to distressing ideas by filling your life with distractions.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

That has to be a distressing idea for many investors who've been spiriting money away in 401 k)'s week after week, year after year.

The New York Times

This comparison raises a distressing thought.

Huffington Post

"I think abuse, especially on this scale, is subconsciously too distressing an idea for people to engage with," says Lambert. "People don't want to think that it's true and that can translate as 'I don't believe you'.

Vice

"There is something very distressing about the idea of the unused resource," said Margaret Anne Doody, a University of Notre Dame literature professor, about characters like Isabella and Kristin Yancey, who decline to make themselves sexually available to male suitors.

The New York Times

Most distressing is the idea that being digital and connected is a good in itself -- that the quality of the content hardly matters, and that merely exposing people to cultural content is the same thing as learning.

Huffington Post

Follow Kara Weisenstein on Twitter.

Vice

It's distressing enough to see ideas like these poke their way into mainstream discourse.

Vice

Suicidal ideas are distressing and dangerous, and therefore an important target for treatment.

BMJ Open

It is characterized by the presence of intrusive and distressing thoughts, images or ideas, termed obsessions and repetitive or ritual behaviours, known as compulsions [ 1].

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about mental health or emotional well-being, use "distressing ideas" to accurately describe thoughts or concepts that cause significant emotional discomfort or anxiety. Be mindful of the impact your words can have on your audience.

Common error

Avoid consistently using highly charged emotional terms like "horrifying", "terrifying", or "devastating" when "distressing" is sufficient. Overuse diminishes the impact and can desensitize readers to genuine crises. Opt for more precise and moderate language to maintain credibility and ensure your message resonates effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distressing ideas" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "distressing" modifies "ideas". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, indicating its grammatical soundness. The adjective "distressing" serves to emphasize the troubling or disturbing nature of the ideas being discussed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

20%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distressing ideas" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe thoughts or concepts that cause emotional discomfort or anxiety. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts and can be used in both formal and informal writing. When using this phrase, consider the emotional impact on your audience and be mindful of overusing emotionally charged language. Alternatives include "troubling thoughts" and "worrying concepts". By understanding the nuances of this phrase, you can use it effectively to convey the emotional weight of certain ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upsetting thoughts

Replaces "distressing" with "upsetting", focusing on the emotional disturbance caused by the thoughts.

troubling notions

Substitutes "distressing" with "troubling" and "ideas" with "notions", implying a cause for concern.

worrying concepts

Replaces "distressing" with "worrying" and "ideas" with "concepts", highlighting the anxiety-inducing nature of the ideas.

anxious thoughts

Focuses on the anxiety associated with the thoughts, replacing "distressing" with "anxious".

unsettling beliefs

Substitutes "distressing" with "unsettling" and "ideas" with "beliefs", emphasizing the discomfort caused by these beliefs.

alarming perspectives

Replaces "distressing" with "alarming" and "ideas" with "perspectives", highlighting the potential danger or concern associated with these perspectives.

painful reflections

Emphasizes the emotional pain caused by the reflections, substituting "distressing" with "painful".

agonizing thoughts

Replaces "distressing" with "agonizing", highlighting the intense suffering associated with the thoughts.

disturbing considerations

Substitutes "ideas" with "considerations", maintaining the sense of unease while focusing on the act of considering something.

frightening thoughts

Replaces "distressing" with "frightening", focusing on the fear-inducing nature of the thoughts.

FAQs

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

You can use "distressing ideas" to describe thoughts or concepts that cause emotional discomfort. For example, "The article presented several distressing ideas about the future of the environment." or "She struggled to cope with the distressing ideas that plagued her mind".

What is a less intense alternative to "distressing ideas"?

Alternatives to "distressing ideas" that convey a similar but less intense meaning include "troubling thoughts", "worrying concepts", or "unsettling beliefs".

Is it appropriate to use "distressing ideas" in formal writing?

Yes, "distressing ideas" is appropriate for formal writing when accurately describing thoughts or concepts that cause emotional discomfort or anxiety. However, consider the context and audience to ensure it is the most suitable term.

What's the difference between "distressing ideas" and "intrusive thoughts"?

"Distressing ideas" generally refers to thoughts or concepts that cause emotional discomfort or anxiety. "Intrusive thoughts", on the other hand, are unwanted, repetitive thoughts, images, or urges that can be highly "distressing" and are often associated with conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder.