expressing distress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expressing distress" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone who is conveying feelings of anxiety, sadness, or discomfort. Example: "Her voice was trembling, clearly expressing distress over the news she had just received."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Could depression, and other familiar mental conditions, be interpreted as a kind of local language – our culturally established way of expressing distress and asking for help?

The Guardian

It quoted a 2014 column by Cahir O'Doherty, the arts and culture editor of the Irish Voice, expressing distress at "the callous destruction unleashed by these loaded Irish students" at a rented house in San Francisco.

The Guardian

It also quotes a 2014 column by Cahir O'Doherty, the arts and culture editor of the Irish Voice, expressing distress at "the callous destruction unleashed by these loaded Irish students" at a rental house in San Francisco.

The Guardian

The European Union "has strongly criticized the U.S. execution of people with mental retardation, both in formal diplomatic demarches to the United States and in letters expressing distress at specific executions," the diplomats' brief says.

The New York Times

"On public forums like social media we also need to be conscious of not just the person expressing distress but others who may be affected and who read the associated comments.

Independent

BAGHDAD — Two suicide bombers struck the northern city of Mosul on Sunday, killing at least five Iraqis and wounding dozens more, as Iraq's leaders rallied behind the city's Christian minority, expressing distress at recent murders and displacement that have plagued the group.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

As a result soldiers often lack a language with which to express distress (in a context in which they may witness extremely distressing events), which may result in delays in recognising and treating mental health problems.

Social Science & Medicine

"She has expressed distress at watching the scenes from New Orleans, just as probably every American has.

The New York Times

But both Democrats and Republicans expressed distress about the U.S. program.

The New Yorker

But there may be no one else with whom the patient feels safe to express distress.

The New York Times - Health

The victim's mother, Carolyn Bunch, expressed distress at the court's decision.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "expressing distress", ensure the context clearly indicates the source and nature of the distress. Be specific about what is causing the distress to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "expressing distress" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal or academic writing can make the tone sound less sophisticated. Consider stronger verbs or more precise descriptions of the emotion to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expressing distress" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as part of a larger predicate. It describes the action of conveying feelings of worry, anxiety, or discomfort. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expressing distress" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of conveying feelings of worry, anxiety, or discomfort. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. It appears most frequently in news and scientific contexts with a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the source and nature of the distress for better clarity. Alternatives such as "showing anguish" or "conveying unease" can be considered to add nuance or sophistication to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indicating suffering

Highlights the experience of suffering being communicated.

communicating pain

Emphasizes the transmission of feelings of pain, either physical or emotional.

showing anguish

Focuses on a more intense form of distress, implying deep suffering.

reflecting anxiety

Suggests the distress is subtly revealed or mirrored.

conveying unease

Suggests a milder form of distress, focusing on discomfort or anxiety.

demonstrating worry

Emphasizes the aspect of concern and anxiety being displayed.

signaling discomfort

Implies a non-verbal or subtle expression of distress.

voicing concern

Focuses on the verbal expression of worry.

registering discomfort

Highlights the outward display of physical or emotional discomfort.

airing grievances

Focuses on the expression of complaints or resentments causing distress.

FAQs

How can I use "expressing distress" in a sentence?

You can use "expressing distress" to describe someone showing signs of worry, anxiety, or sadness. For example, "The letter was "expressing distress" over the company's financial situation."

What are some alternatives to "expressing distress"?

Alternatives include "showing anguish", "indicating suffering", or "conveying unease", depending on the specific emotion you want to convey.

Is it better to say "expressing distress" or "showing distress"?

Both "expressing distress" and "showing distress" are correct, but "expressing" implies a more active communication of the feeling, while "showing" can be more passive. The better choice depends on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "expressing distress" and "experiencing distress"?

"Expressing distress" refers to the outward communication of feelings of distress, whereas "experiencing distress" refers to the internal feeling itself. Someone can experience distress without "expressing distress".