emotionally distressing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "emotionally distressing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe experiences, situations, or content that causes emotional pain or discomfort. Example: "The film was emotionally distressing, leaving many viewers in tears by the end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

As every reader will know schooling can be a difficult and at time emotionally distressing experience.

Independent

"As you can imagine, it's very emotionally distressing to go through something like this," Father McGarry said.

The New York Times

In the complaint, Ms. Cooper argues that one of the book's principal characters, Aibileen Clark, is an unpermitted appropriation of her name and image, which she finds emotionally distressing.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Cassidy's lawyers with the federal public defender's office argue that even offensive, emotionally distressing speech is protected by the First Amendment when it is conveyed on a public platform like Twitter.

The New York Times - Tech

Dr Purdue added: "It's upsetting and emotionally distressing that someone horribly injured is still breathing but they are beyond help at that stage.

BBC

For support, he points favorably to a discussion in the May issue of Epidemiology, in which a former drug-company consultant describes how she was subjected to "an emotionally distressing ordeal" in the media after editors at NEJM identified her and another author as having violated NEJM's conflict rules last year.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

She added: "The repeated examination of a woman's mental state by at least four doctors, and possibly seven, the repeated questioning specifically about suicidal ideation and intent, will not only be overly invasive, confusing and distressing emotionally, it will also be time-consuming in a period of crisis when a suicidal woman needs access to a termination as soon as possible".

The Guardian

(Trauma refers to emotionally charged and distressing experiences in which individuals have no outlet to release and express their emotions).

Huffington Post

She went on to that as it can be "very distressing and emotionally draining" to know someone you care about is having suicidal feelings, and so those offering assistance may also like to someone about how they feel.

Independent

Indeed, there is evidence that those who take part in qualitative studies often find this to be a positive experience, and are willing to engage in research even when it involves discussion of topics and experiences which they anticipate to be distressing and emotionally challenging.

BMC Medical Ethics

Sufferers do not merely remember their trauma; they re-experience it emotionally in the form of involuntary, distressing thoughts; nightmares about the trauma; and sudden sensory "flashbacks" of sights, sounds and odours that produce the illusion that it is happening once again.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing sensitive topics, use "emotionally distressing" to acknowledge the potential impact on your audience. This can help create a more empathetic and understanding tone.

Common error

Avoid using "emotionally distressing" in situations that are merely inconvenient or mildly upsetting. Reserve it for scenarios involving genuine emotional suffering to maintain its impact and avoid trivializing serious experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "emotionally distressing" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes something that causes emotional pain or suffering. As per Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its usage in diverse contexts such as describing traumatic events or challenging situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "emotionally distressing" is a commonly used and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe situations or experiences that cause significant emotional pain or suffering. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and formal business writing. While the phrase carries a neutral to formal tone, it is important to use it judiciously, reserving it for situations involving genuine emotional suffering. Consider alternatives like "emotionally painful" or "psychologically troubling" to add nuance to your writing. Be mindful of overuse in casual contexts and tailor your language to suit the specific situation. Authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, affirming its credibility and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emotionally painful

Focuses on the direct sensation of emotional hurt or suffering.

psychologically troubling

Emphasizes the mental or cognitive aspect of distress.

deeply upsetting

Highlights the intensity of the emotional disturbance caused.

heartbreaking

Suggests a profound sense of sorrow or grief.

traumatic

Indicates a severe and lasting emotional impact.

grievous

Implies a heavy burden of sorrow or pain.

agonizing

Highlights the experience of severe mental or physical suffering.

soul-crushing

Emphasizes the feeling of being utterly defeated or demoralized.

bitterly disappointing

Focuses on the emotional pain arising from unmet expectations.

emotionally devastating

Implies a complete destruction of one's emotional well-being.

FAQs

How can I use "emotionally distressing" in a sentence?

You can use "emotionally distressing" to describe situations, events, or content that cause significant emotional upset. For example, "The news report contained "emotionally distressing" details about the accident".

What are some alternatives to "emotionally distressing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "emotionally painful", "deeply upsetting", or "psychologically troubling" to convey similar meanings.

Is it appropriate to use "emotionally distressing" in formal writing?

Yes, "emotionally distressing" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing sensitive or serious topics in academic, scientific, or professional contexts. Ensure the usage aligns with the overall tone and purpose of your writing.

What's the difference between "emotionally distressing" and "distressing"?

"Emotionally distressing" specifically highlights the emotional aspect of distress, while "distressing" can refer to any type of suffering, including physical or mental. The former is more precise when focusing on emotional impact.