disturbing content

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disturbing content" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to material that may cause discomfort or unease to the reader. Example: The film received an R rating due to its disturbing content, which included scenes of violence and graphic imagery.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Please be aware that some films may include graphic or disturbing content.

Stanford University

Despite the disturbing content of the photographs, the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive.

The Guardian

Online users can choose to view or not view this disturbing content".

The Guardian

The disturbing content of "A Dangerous Business" is augmented handsomely by the hour's tone and occasional film-noir style.

The New York Times - Arts

YouTube pranksters often fake disturbing content for clicks — sometimes with the stated intent of revealing something new about human nature.

The Washington Post

But LiveLeak, a video sharing site known for often showing disturbing content, has been blocked by Telstra, Vodafone and Optus.

The Guardian - Tech

When humans create perverse or disturbing content, we chalk it up to sickness or to creativity, and institutionalize or memorialize accordingly.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A trigger warning (or content note) alerts readers or viewers to violent and disturbing content, which could be sexual assault, racist violence, transphobic or homophobic slurs.

The Guardian

"Not only are we a pace-setter in production values, we are also a pace-setter in murderous, amoral, profoundly disturbing content the world over," he says.

The Guardian

I have lately heard classmates apologize in advance for potentially disturbing content in their movies, or crack jokes to avert suspicion that they may be emotionally troubled.

The New York Times

There is also no clear line at Facebook, which decides whether to remove disturbing content on a case-by-case basis.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disturbing content", consider adding a trigger warning to alert viewers or readers in advance.

Common error

Avoid using "disturbing content" as a blanket term. Be specific about what makes the content disturbing (e.g., violence, hate speech) to provide more clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disturbing content" functions as an adjective + noun construction, where 'disturbing' modifies the noun 'content'. Ludwig examples confirm its role in describing the nature or quality of the content itself, aligning with Ludwig AI's classification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "disturbing content" correctly identifies material that may cause unease or emotional distress. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically sound and widely used. Ludwig's examples show frequent occurrences in news, media, and academic contexts, where it serves to warn audiences about potentially upsetting subjects. When using this phrase, consider specific trigger warnings and avoid overuse by specifying what makes content disturbing. Alternative phrases such as "shocking material" or "offensive material" may be more appropriate depending on the particular context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upsetting content

Emphasizes the emotional impact, specifically causing someone to feel sad or worried.

distressing material

Emphasizes the potential to cause anxiety or suffering.

shocking material

Replaces 'disturbing' with 'shocking' and 'content' with 'material', emphasizing the element of surprise and offense.

troubling content

Focuses on the problematic or concerning nature of the content.

graphic content

Highlights the explicit and visually detailed nature of the content.

offensive material

Focuses on the potential to cause outrage or displeasure.

objectionable material

Highlights the quality of being something that people may disagree with or disapprove of.

sensitive content

Emphasizes the need for caution and awareness due to the content's potential impact.

inappropriate content

Focuses on instances of content not suitable or proper in the circumstances.

violent content

Highlights instances of physical force used to harm, damage, or destroy.

FAQs

What does "disturbing content" mean?

The term "disturbing content" refers to material that may cause unease, anxiety, or emotional distress due to its graphic, violent, or otherwise unsettling nature.

How can I warn someone about "disturbing content"?

You can use a trigger warning or content note to alert readers or viewers in advance. Examples include: "Please be advised that the following content contains potentially disturbing content" or "Trigger warning: This material contains scenes of violence."

What are some alternatives to "disturbing content"?

You can use alternatives like "shocking material", "offensive material", or "upsetting content" depending on the specific nature of the content.

Why is it important to identify "disturbing content"?

Identifying "disturbing content" is crucial for allowing individuals to make informed choices about what they consume and to protect vulnerable audiences from potentially harmful material. This also promotes responsible content creation and sharing.