extremely distraught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extremely distraught" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is very upset or distressed, often in response to a traumatic event or situation. Example: "After hearing the news of the accident, she was extremely distraught and struggled to compose herself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Her husband is extremely distraught at the moment".

The Guardian

"Mr. Kerrigan is extremely distraught at the death of his father," Moore said during the arraignment.

The New York Times - Sports

"She is extremely distraught over what has happened," Mr. Wood said.

The New York Times

"He was extremely distraught," Michael S. Arif, another of Mr. Malvo's lawyers, said after court.

The New York Times

I had to break the news to the family and they were extremely distraught".

The Guardian

Speaking to reporters before the arrest, Mr. Kotsopoulos's lawyer, Oscar Michelen, said his client was "extremely distraught".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

" He called the girl in custody "extremely remorseful and distraught".

The New York Times

Her head drops, she looks at her pink slippers, and the clever script, by the extremely clever McDonagh, has this distraught woman start a hell of a clever conversation between the two fluffy creatures on her feet about what she should do.

The New Yorker

When her feelings were not reciprocated, she was so distraught she ate an extremely hot pepper from Mexico, was hospitalized, and had to have an esophagus transplant.

Wikipedia

"I could not concentrate on anything else [other than my son] because I was extremely concerned about my son and distraught from being separated from him," A.E. said.

Vice

Lord Faulks said the disclosure of revenge porn was "extremely distressing" and left victims feeling "humiliated and distraught".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "extremely distraught", ensure the context provides sufficient justification for such a strong emotional state. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "extremely distraught" for mild or commonplace sadness. The phrase implies a significant level of emotional distress, so reserve it for situations that warrant such a description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extremely distraught" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe their emotional state. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to depict a high degree of emotional upset, typically in response to significant events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extremely distraught" is a commonly used phrase to describe someone experiencing a high level of emotional distress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for conveying intense emotional states, particularly in news and media contexts. While interchangeable with alternatives like "deeply distressed" or "utterly devastated", it's essential to consider the specific context and desired level of emphasis. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is frequently employed in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, underscoring its reliability and widespread acceptance in formal and neutral registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely upset

A more general term for emotional distress, less specific than "distraught".

intensely saddened

Emphasizes the feeling of sorrow and grief, a direct and straightforward alternative.

deeply distressed

Replaces "extremely distraught" with a more formal and slightly less intense expression of distress.

completely heartbroken

Implies a feeling of severe emotional pain, specifically related to loss or disappointment.

terribly grieved

Highlights a deep sense of sorrow, typically associated with bereavement.

utterly devastated

Indicates a feeling of complete destruction and overwhelming sadness, stronger than "extremely distraught".

inconsolably upset

Suggests a level of distress that cannot be easily comforted, highlighting the persistent nature of the sadness.

profoundly affected

Emphasizes the deep emotional impact of an event, suggesting a lasting influence.

gravely concerned

Focuses on the aspect of worry and apprehension, shifting the emphasis from pure distress to a more anxious state.

highly agitated

Highlights the state of being disturbed and restless, focusing more on outward behavior.

FAQs

What does "extremely distraught" mean?

The phrase "extremely distraught" describes a state of intense emotional distress, worry, and agitation. It suggests that someone is deeply upset and troubled.

What can I say instead of "extremely distraught"?

You can use alternatives like "deeply distressed", "utterly devastated", or "intensely saddened" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "extremely distraught" in formal writing?

Yes, "extremely distraught" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news reports or professional contexts where conveying the intensity of someone's emotional state is important. However, consider alternatives if a less emphatic term is sufficient.

How do I use "extremely distraught" in a sentence?

Example: "After hearing the news, the victim's family was "extremely distraught"."