disturbing messages

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disturbing messages" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe communications or content that causes discomfort, anxiety, or distress to the recipient. Example: "The report included several disturbing messages that raised concerns about the safety of the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

In the months since, she had received "very disturbing" messages from Cleese fans.

The Guardian

That is among the disturbing messages of "Raccoon Nation," an installment of PBS's "Nature" series Wednesday night.

The New York Times

Among the alleged threats found online, prosecutors said the most disturbing messages were aimed at Pope Francis.

Independent

The Farage victory has some disturbing messages not just for Nick Clegg, but also for David Cameron and Ed Miliband.

The Guardian - Opinion

He has been on the receiving end of some disturbing messages recently, and it is starting to unsettle him.

The Guardian - Music

Chloe condemned her trolls in the Daily Mail as someone who sends who send "lewd, disturbing messages" while he "cowered anonymously behind his computer screen".

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"I think it sent a disturbing message," she said.

The New York Times

Browse in the children's section of a bookstore and the disturbing message is clear.

The New York Times - Books

One disturbing message underneath a post about a hunt read: "Can I come?

Independent

Despite its disturbing message and monochromatic palette, "Organic Dissolution" exudes gusto and a sense of delight.

The New York Times

The young couple from "True Believer," who are now expecting a child, receive a disturbing message.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing digital interactions, specify the medium of the "disturbing messages" (e.g., "disturbing text messages", "disturbing social media posts") to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using "disturbing messages" to describe mildly unpleasant or merely critical feedback. Reserve the term for content that genuinely evokes a sense of unease, anxiety, or threat. Inflating the severity of messages can diminish the impact of your writing and desensitize your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disturbing messages" functions as a noun phrase where "disturbing" acts as a present participle adjective modifying the noun "messages". This phrase typically serves to identify and categorize a specific type of communication based on its emotional or psychological impact as Ludwig AI also highlighted.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "disturbing messages" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe communications that cause unease or distress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's deemed correct for use in written English. While not extremely common, it appears frequently in news and media contexts, often related to topics like harassment, threats, or controversial content. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the severity of the described messages to avoid sensationalism. Consider alternatives like "troubling communications" or "alarming correspondence" for varied nuance. Remember specifying the medium and avoid overuse, this will enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

troubling communications

Replaces "disturbing" with "troubling" and "messages" with "communications", softening the tone slightly.

alarming correspondence

Substitutes "disturbing" with "alarming" and "messages" with "correspondence", emphasizing the potential danger or urgency.

unsettling missives

Replaces "disturbing" with "unsettling" and "messages" with "missives", creating a more formal and literary feel.

worrying communications

Uses "worrying" instead of "disturbing", focusing on the anxiety caused by the messages.

threatening messages

Highlights the potentially dangerous nature of the messages.

menacing communications

Suggests a more actively hostile or intimidating tone in the messages.

concerning messages

Emphasizes the need for attention and possible action due to the content of the messages.

ominous messages

Implies a sense of foreboding or impending doom connected to the messages.

disconcerting communications

Highlights the confusion or disorientation caused by the messages.

distressing news

Changes the focus to the content of the messages, framing them as generally upsetting information.

FAQs

How can I describe messages that are upsetting but not necessarily "disturbing"?

Consider using alternatives such as "concerning messages", "worrying communications", or "unpleasant messages", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What kind of content qualifies as "disturbing messages"?

The term typically applies to messages that contain threats, harassment, graphic imagery, or content that evokes strong feelings of unease, anxiety, or moral outrage.

Are there specific contexts where the phrase "disturbing messages" is commonly used?

Yes, it's frequently used in news reports, discussions of online harassment and abuse, and analyses of propaganda or extremist communication.

What's the difference between "disturbing messages" and "offensive messages"?

"Offensive messages" are generally unpleasant or disrespectful, while "disturbing messages" evoke a stronger sense of unease, anxiety, or moral concern due to their content or intent.