disturbed him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disturbed him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is emotionally or mentally unsettled by something. Example: "The news of the accident deeply disturbed him, leaving him unable to concentrate for the rest of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Being a Jew disturbed him.

The New Yorker

It clearly disturbed him.

The New York Times

She disturbed him.

The Guardian - Books

They never really disturbed him.

The New York Times - Magazine

The reporter's skepticism disturbed him, he said.

The New York Times

Clearly his mother's death had disturbed him.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

It disturbs him".

The New York Times

Don't disturb him.

The New York Times - Sports

But they barely disturb him.

The Guardian - Music

Tourists disturb him; it all seems profane.

The New Yorker

Twenty-first-century inanities disturb him.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disturbed him", ensure that the context clearly indicates what caused the disturbance. This helps to provide a complete and understandable picture for the reader.

Common error

While "disturbed him" is generally acceptable, consider stronger or more precise verbs in formal writing to convey the specific nuance of the emotional impact. For instance, use "alarmed him" or "troubled him" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disturbed him" functions as a verb phrase indicating that someone experienced emotional or mental disquiet. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a standard and usable expression in English. It directly links an action (disturbing) to its effect on a subject (him).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "disturbed him" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that someone experienced emotional or mental disquiet. As Ludwig AI states, its correctness and usability are well-established. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various writing styles. While "disturbed him" is versatile, consider using more precise alternatives like "troubled him" or "alarmed him" to enhance specificity in formal writing. Understanding its proper usage ensures clarity and impact in conveying emotional responses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

troubled him

Indicates a state of worry or unease, similar to being disturbed but often implying a more prolonged effect.

bothered him

Suggests a mild form of disturbance, often related to annoyance or inconvenience.

concerned him

Focuses on the aspect of worry or anxiety, highlighting a sense of responsibility or care.

worried him

Emphasizes the feeling of anxiety and apprehension about a potential negative outcome.

alarmed him

Highlights a sudden feeling of fear or concern, often triggered by an unexpected event.

upset him

Denotes emotional distress or unhappiness, indicating a negative impact on mood.

perturbed him

Implies a state of mild agitation or disquiet, suggesting a disruption of calmness.

agitated him

Indicates a state of heightened anxiety or restlessness, suggesting a strong emotional response.

vexed him

Suggests a state of frustration or annoyance, implying a feeling of being troubled by something difficult to resolve.

disquieted him

Focuses on the loss of peace or tranquility, indicating a subtle but noticeable form of disturbance.

FAQs

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

You can use "disturbed him" to describe a situation where someone is emotionally or mentally unsettled by something. For example, "The news of the accident deeply disturbed him, leaving him unable to concentrate."

What can I say instead of "disturbed him"?

You can use alternatives like "troubled him", "bothered him", or "concerned him" depending on the context.

Is "disturbed him" formal or informal?

"Disturbed him" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider more precise alternatives to convey the specific nuance.

What's the difference between "disturbed him" and "upset him"?

"Disturbed him" often implies a deeper, more unsettling feeling, while "upset him" suggests emotional distress or unhappiness. The choice depends on the intensity and nature of the emotional impact.