disturbing thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disturbing thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event, situation, or object that causes discomfort or unease. Example: "The documentary revealed a disturbing thing about the treatment of animals in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There's just one disturbing thing.

The Guardian

"So the disturbing thing about love is.

Independent

"It would be a very disturbing thing.

The Guardian - Music

That's the thing that's most disturbing thing to me.

The New York Times - Sports

About the most disturbing thing is when you don't".

The New York Times - Sports

One disturbing thing about your article is just how alarmed many seemingly sober-minded scientists are.

The New Yorker

The disturbing thing was that this all happened under President Bill Clinton.

The New York Times

"And the disturbing thing is that anybody who thinks so is termed a racist".

The New Yorker

"It's a disturbing thing for an audience to experience that," Mr. Stewart said.

The New York Times

To read my name in this context is a very disturbing thing.

The New York Times - Sports

His anger is an existentially disturbing thing which Mosley describes effectively at the outset.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disturbing thing", provide specific context to clarify what exactly is causing the disturbance. This will make your writing more impactful and clear.

Common error

Avoid using "disturbing thing" as a vague descriptor. Always specify what makes the subject disturbing to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "That was a disturbing thing", specify what you found disturbing, such as "The lack of transparency was a disturbing thing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disturbing thing" typically functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "disturbing" modifies the noun "thing". It serves to identify a particular subject or aspect that elicits a feeling of unease or discomfort. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disturbing thing" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe something that causes unease or concern. Ludwig AI confirms this. Its strength lies in its versatility, making it suitable for various contexts, though specificity is key to impactful writing. Alternatives such as "concerning issue" or "troubling matter" can provide nuanced shades of meaning. While primarily found in news and media, this phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for both professional and casual communication. Always ensure clarity by providing context to what makes the "disturbing thing" so, and this phrase will surely enrich your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concerning issue

Directly points out the problematic nature of the subject.

worrisome aspect

Emphasizes the cause for concern.

troubling matter

Focuses on the problematic aspect of the situation.

unsettling situation

Highlights the disquieting nature of the circumstances.

alarming development

Highlights the potential for negative consequences.

distressing event

Highlights the emotional impact of the situation.

disconcerting element

Emphasizes the confusing or unsettling part.

unpleasant surprise

Focuses on the unexpected and unwelcome nature of the event.

vexing problem

Focuses on the frustrating or irritating nature of the issue.

ominous sign

Suggests a negative future outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "disturbing thing" in a sentence?

You can use "disturbing thing" to describe something that causes unease or discomfort. For example, "The most "disturbing thing" about the documentary was the blatant disregard for human rights".

What are some alternatives to saying "disturbing thing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "troubling matter", "concerning issue", or "worrisome aspect".

Is it okay to use "disturbing thing" in formal writing?

While "disturbing thing" is generally acceptable, in formal writing, consider using more precise and sophisticated alternatives that specify the nature of the disturbance. For instance, you could say "alarming trend" or "unsettling development".

What makes "disturbing thing" different from "unnerving thing"?

"Disturbing thing" generally implies a deeper sense of unease or moral concern, while "unnerving thing" suggests something that causes anxiety or makes you feel slightly nervous. The choice depends on the specific emotional impact you want to convey.