disturbed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disturbed by" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is generally used as an adjective to describe a feeling that has been unsettled by something. For example: "Tom was disturbed by the news of his friend's unexpected death."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm disturbed by that.

The New York Times - Sports

I am not disturbed by them.

The New York Times

Indeed, some observers were disturbed by them.

The Economist

Kind of disturbed by that, actually.

The New York Times

He's easily disturbed by ordinary things.

The New Yorker

I was disturbed by this.

The New Yorker

I was disturbed by Profs.

The New York Times - Magazine

I wasn't disturbed by it".

The New York Times

Coles seemed more disturbed by Pennington's demotion.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was disturbed by other things.

The New York Times - Books

"Our community is very disturbed by this.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disturbed by", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the disturbance. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

While "disturbed by" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound overly emotional. Consider more neutral alternatives like "concerned by" or "aware of" for a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disturbed by" functions as a passive adjectival phrase, indicating that the subject is experiencing a feeling of unease or disruption caused by an external factor. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in expressing emotional responses to various stimuli.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "disturbed by" is a common and grammatically sound way to express feelings of unease or worry caused by something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, as shown by the many examples found in news articles, scientific publications, and everyday conversations. While it is versatile, it's important to consider the tone of your writing and opt for more neutral alternatives like "concerned about" in formal settings if needed. The related phrases provide a spectrum of options to convey similar sentiments with slightly different nuances. Remember to clearly specify what is causing the disturbance to ensure clarity. The most authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, frequently employ this expression highlighting its broad acceptance in standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bothered by

Indicates a feeling of mild annoyance or concern, similar to being disturbed, but often less intense.

troubled by

Implies a state of worry or anxiety caused by something, akin to being disturbed but focusing more on internal distress.

concerned about

Highlights a sense of worry or interest in something, overlapping with the sense of disturbance but with a focus on active concern.

uneasy about

Suggests a feeling of discomfort or apprehension, sharing the sense of disturbance but emphasizing a lack of ease.

alarmed by

Conveys a sense of sudden fear or concern triggered by something, indicating a stronger emotional reaction than simply being disturbed.

perturbed by

Suggests a state of mild annoyance or anxiety, similar to being disturbed but often implying a temporary disruption.

affected by

Indicates that something has had an impact, either emotionally or otherwise, sharing the sense of disturbance as an influence.

agitated by

Implies a state of heightened anxiety or restlessness caused by something, indicating a more intense emotional response than just being disturbed.

dismayed by

Conveys a feeling of disappointment and discouragement caused by something unexpected, overlapping with the sense of disturbance.

unsettled by

Suggests a feeling of being made uneasy or anxious, sharing the sense of disturbance as a cause of discomfort.

FAQs

How can I use "disturbed by" in a sentence?

You can use "disturbed by" to express a feeling of unease or worry caused by something. For example, "I was disturbed by the news" or "She was disturbed by the loud noise".

What are some alternatives to "disturbed by"?

Alternatives include "bothered by", "troubled by", "concerned about", or "uneasy about", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am disturb by" instead of "I am disturbed by"?

No, "I am disturb by" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "I am disturbed by", using the past participle "disturbed" as an adjective.

What's the difference between "disturbed by" and "disturbing to"?

"Disturbed by" describes someone's feeling of unease, while "disturbing to" describes something that causes that feeling. For instance, "I was disturbed by the movie" (my feeling) versus "The movie was disturbing to watch" (the movie's effect).