disturbing thoughts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disturbing thoughts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing unsettling or troubling ideas or feelings that may arise in one's mind. Example: "After watching the horror movie, I was left with disturbing thoughts that lingered long after the credits rolled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

These were: disturbing thoughts, emotional disturbance, unavoidable situation, and communication problems.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Psychic twins share some of each other's more disturbing thoughts in Sittenfeld's novel.

The New York Times - Books

They are also advised that all kinds of disturbing thoughts and pains may emerge.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He ponders further on this subject and has a number of disturbing thoughts.

The New Yorker

He said that withdrawing made him feel bad and gave him disturbing thoughts.

The Guardian

"How often do you block out disturbing thoughts about your life with soothing thoughts of the Internet?" goes another question.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

"There's a disturbing thought," Alec said.

The New Yorker

"What a very disturbing thought," he mutters.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A DISTURBING thought is gently dawning on the French.

The Economist

For the opposition, that must be a disturbing thought.

The New York Times - Sports

It is a disturbing thought, like many of his thoughts, and it just might be true.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about mental health, use "disturbing thoughts" to accurately describe intrusive and unsettling mental experiences. Be mindful of the context and potential impact on the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "disturbing thoughts" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "unsettling thoughts" or "troubling thoughts" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disturbing thoughts" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "disturbing" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "thoughts". It describes the quality or nature of the thoughts being referred to. Ludwig examples show its use in describing mental states and experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

31%

Wiki

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "disturbing thoughts" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe unsettling mental experiences. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, suggesting "unsettling thoughts" or "troubling thoughts" as alternatives. Analysis of usage patterns reveals the phrase's prevalence in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. To use effectively, be mindful of the context and potential impact on the reader, while also varying language to maintain engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsettling thoughts

Replaces "disturbing" with "unsettling", suggesting a milder form of unease.

troubling thoughts

Substitutes "disturbing" with "troubling", implying thoughts that cause worry or concern.

worrisome thoughts

Uses "worrisome" instead of "disturbing", suggesting thoughts that cause anxiety and concern.

distressing thoughts

Uses "distressing" instead of "disturbing", highlighting the painful or upsetting nature of the thoughts.

anxious thoughts

Replaces "disturbing" with "anxious", focusing on the worry and unease the thoughts create.

intrusive thoughts

Uses "intrusive" instead of "disturbing", focusing on the unwanted and unwelcome nature of the thoughts.

obsessive thoughts

Replaces "disturbing" with "obsessive", indicating repetitive and intrusive thoughts.

dark thoughts

Replaces "disturbing" with "dark", implying sinister or morbid thoughts.

negative thoughts

Substitutes "disturbing" with "negative", broadly referring to unpleasant or harmful thoughts.

unpleasant thoughts

Replaces "disturbing" with "unpleasant", indicating thoughts that are simply disagreeable or displeasing.

FAQs

What does "disturbing thoughts" mean?

"Disturbing thoughts" refers to intrusive, unwanted, and often distressing thoughts or mental images that can cause significant anxiety or discomfort.

What can I say instead of "disturbing thoughts"?

You can use alternatives like "unsettling thoughts", "troubling thoughts", or "intrusive thoughts" depending on the specific context.

Are "disturbing thoughts" normal?

Experiencing occasional "disturbing thoughts" is common, but frequent or intensely distressing thoughts may indicate an underlying mental health condition that requires professional help.

What's the difference between "disturbing thoughts" and "obsessive thoughts"?

"Disturbing thoughts" is a broader term encompassing any unwanted and distressing thoughts, while "obsessive thoughts" specifically refer to repetitive and persistent thoughts that are characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).