emotionally disturbed

USAGE SUMMARY

'emotionally disturbed' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone or something that is in an emotionally unstable or upset state. For example, "The student was visibly emotionally disturbed when he learned he had failed the exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

EDP: Emotionally disturbed person.

The New York Times

Treating the emotionally disturbed.

The New York Times

"He emotionally disturbed me.

The Guardian - Film

He's also severely emotionally disturbed.

The New York Times - Books

My mother was emotionally disturbed.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We work with kids who are emotionally disturbed.

The New York Times

He became a counselor to the emotionally disturbed.

The New York Times

Most comedians are introspective, or slightly emotionally disturbed.

The Guardian

Initial accounts by the police had described the pusher as emotionally disturbed.

The New York Times

Both have extensive experience in police dealings with the emotionally disturbed.

The New York Times

The bags are used to restrain people judged to be emotionally disturbed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to express the intensity of one's emotional unbalance, use some adverbs as intensifiers. Example: Severely "emotionally disturbed".

Common error

Avoid using "emotionally disturbed" as a blanket term for various mental health conditions. It's crucial to be specific and accurate in describing someone's emotional state to avoid misrepresentation and stigma.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "emotionally disturbed" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe someone or something experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "emotionally disturbed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that describes someone experiencing emotional or psychological distress. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples across various contexts. While widely used, it's crucial to be mindful of the potential stigma and consider more specific or sensitive language when appropriate. Alternatives like "emotionally troubled" or "mentally distressed" may be suitable depending on the specific situation. This guide provides insights into best practices, common errors, and relevant linguistic aspects to help you use the phrase effectively and respectfully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emotionally troubled

This alternative focuses on the presence of emotional problems causing distress.

mentally distressed

This phrase highlights mental anguish and unease.

psychologically affected

This alternative emphasizes the impact on one's mental state.

experiencing emotional difficulties

This phrase describes facing challenges related to emotions.

showing signs of emotional instability

This alternative focuses on observable indicators of emotional imbalance.

suffering from emotional turmoil

This phrase suggests a state of inner emotional chaos and conflict.

displaying emotional dysregulation

This alternative describes difficulty in managing emotional responses.

emotionally fragile

This phrase conveys vulnerability and sensitivity to emotional stressors.

having emotional challenges

A more general term indicating difficulties with emotional well-being.

emotionally sensitive

This alternative highlights a heightened responsiveness to emotional stimuli.

FAQs

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

You can use "emotionally disturbed" to describe someone experiencing significant emotional or psychological issues. For example, "The program is designed to help "emotionally troubled" children develop coping mechanisms".

What are some alternative phrases for "emotionally disturbed"?

Alternatives include "emotionally troubled", "mentally distressed", or "psychologically affected". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it appropriate to use the term "emotionally disturbed" in all situations?

While grammatically correct, "emotionally disturbed" can be stigmatizing. Consider more sensitive and specific language, such as "experiencing emotional difficulties" or "showing signs of emotional instability", depending on the context and audience.

What is the difference between "emotionally disturbed" and "mentally ill"?

"Emotionally disturbed" typically refers to a state of emotional imbalance or distress, while "mentally ill" is a broader term encompassing various mental health conditions. While there is some overlap, "mentally ill" often implies a more chronic or severe condition.