distressingly common

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distressingly common" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is unfortunately frequent or widespread, often in a negative context. Example: "The prevalence of misinformation on social media is distressingly common in today's digital age."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

A distressingly common mistake.

The New York Times

A distressingly common typo.

The New York Times

London's police will shortly consider whether to adopt such a method.Rape is a distressingly common experience.

The Economist

When Patinkin reigns himself in, he can be magnificent.A distressingly common error.

The New York Times

This is not a singular case for the commission, where no-bid, zero-transparency contracts seem distressingly common.

The New York Times

But residents say it does not feel that way, and they complain of violence and crime that have become distressingly common.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

It was an example of an increasingly -- and distressingly -- common willingness among Republicans to not just stretch the truth, but to fold it into entirely new shapes.

Huffington Post

And, in common with many ombudsman schemes, we spend a distressingly large proportion of our resources directing confused complainants to another scheme which may help them with their problem, rather than dealing with it directly.

The Guardian

Maya's story is all too common in South Asia, where levels of child labour remain distressingly high, especially for girls.

Unicef

This sounds distressingly familiar.

The New York Times

Then: distressingly so.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "distressingly common" with specific examples or statistics to strengthen the impact and credibility of your statement. This makes the issue more tangible and relatable to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "distressingly common" in casual or informal writing, as it can come across as overly dramatic or pretentious. Opt for simpler and more direct language that suits the tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distressingly common" functions as an intensifier modifying an adjective. It emphasizes that something is not only frequent, but also a source of distress or worry, as supported by Ludwig examples indicating negative situations or errors.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "distressingly common" effectively communicates that something occurs frequently and is a cause for concern. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and predominantly used in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, to highlight undesirable trends or situations. While alternatives like "alarmingly frequent" or "worryingly prevalent" can offer similar meanings, "distressingly common" retains a specific emphasis on the distress caused by the frequency. Remember to avoid using this phrase in informal contexts, as it can sound overdramatic. When used correctly, "distressingly common" adds weight and urgency to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alarmingly frequent

Emphasizes the alarming nature of the frequency.

worryingly prevalent

Highlights the concern associated with its widespread presence.

disturbingly widespread

Focuses on the unsettling scope of the issue.

regrettably typical

Indicates the feeling of regret associated with its commonality.

unfortunately commonplace

Highlights the unfortunate nature of its being ordinary.

sadly typical

Emphasizes the sadness associated with the frequency.

unacceptably routine

Highlights that something occurs regularly that shouldn't be accepted.

increasingly rampant

Suggests rapid and uncontrolled growth in frequency.

depressingly familiar

Highlights the depressing aspect of something that is often repeated.

tragically ordinary

Indicates the tragic implications of something being commonplace.

FAQs

How can I use "distressingly common" in a sentence?

Use "distressingly common" to describe situations that occur frequently and cause concern or distress. For example, "Data breaches are becoming a "distressingly common" occurrence in the digital age".

What phrases can I use instead of "distressingly common"?

You can use alternatives like "alarmingly frequent", "worryingly prevalent", or "disturbingly widespread" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "distressingly common" formal or informal?

"Distressingly common" leans towards a more formal register. While understandable in most contexts, it's best suited for professional, academic, or journalistic writing where a tone of concern and objectivity is appropriate.

What makes something "distressingly common" rather than just "common"?

The addition of "distressingly" indicates that the common occurrence is also undesirable or upsetting. It adds a layer of negative connotation, suggesting that the frequency of something is a cause for concern.