feel distraught

USAGE SUMMARY

"feel distraught" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express intense distress or grief. For example: "After the death of his beloved pet, the boy felt distraught."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

I don't feel distraught about it.

Independent

"I feel distraught," the first said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Now they feel distraught, frustrated because they can't do anything.

The New York Times

Your energies would be better spent looking after your dear friend, who may feel distraught at her husband's desertion.

The New York Times

"I feel distraught over it.

BBC

Given this, I can't feel distraught.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Action 3) Feeling distraught and depleted.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Another said he felt distraught.

The Guardian

NATALLIE EVANS said she felt distraught, and she looked it.

The Economist

He added that he felt "distraught, confused (and) angry".

The Guardian

Maritza Lopez said she felt distraught, and could no longer handle working.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel distraught" to convey a deep sense of emotional upset, sorrow, or mental anguish, particularly when the context involves significant loss, disappointment, or trauma. This phrase is most effective when describing a character's internal state or expressing personal feelings in a narrative or reflective context.

Common error

Avoid using "feel distraught" in everyday, lighthearted conversation. The intensity of the phrase is better suited for more serious or dramatic contexts, as it can sound overly dramatic or insincere in casual settings. Instead, use simpler terms like "sad", "upset", or "disappointed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel distraught" functions as a stative verb phrase, where "feel" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "distraught." Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The phrase describes a state of being or an emotional condition.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel distraught" effectively conveys a state of profound emotional distress or anguish. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. While grammatically sound and featured in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, it is not a commonly used phrase, suggesting it is best reserved for situations requiring a strong emotional expression. For less intense situations alternatives such as "feel upset" or "feel sad" might be more appropriate. When aiming to evoke empathy or describe intense personal feelings, using "feel distraught" can significantly enhance the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel devastated

Emphasizes the feeling of being overwhelmed by ruin or destruction, either literally or emotionally.

feel heartbroken

Specifically relates to feelings of sorrow and grief, often associated with romantic loss but applicable in other contexts.

feel grief-stricken

Highlights the intensity and overwhelming nature of grief.

feel overwhelmed with sorrow

Focuses on the experience of being burdened by sadness.

feel crushed

Implies a sense of being utterly defeated or demoralized by events.

feel despairing

Highlights a loss of hope and a sense of futility.

feel anguished

Emphasizes profound mental or physical suffering.

feel tormented

Suggests a state of severe suffering, either physically or mentally.

feel wretched

Indicates a state of extreme unhappiness or misery.

feel miserable

A more general term for feeling unhappy or uncomfortable.

FAQs

How can I use "feel distraught" in a sentence?

You can use "feel distraught" to describe a state of extreme emotional distress. For example, "After losing her job, she began to /s/feel+distraught" or "He /s/felt+distraught" after hearing the news."

What are some synonyms for "feel distraught"?

Alternatives to "feel distraught" include "feel devastated", "feel heartbroken", or "feel overwhelmed with sorrow", each carrying slightly different nuances of intense sadness.

Is it grammatically correct to say "feel distraught"?

Yes, "feel distraught" is grammatically correct. "Feel" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "distraught", which describes the emotional state.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "feel distraught"?

"Feel distraught" is appropriate in situations where you want to convey a strong sense of emotional pain, grief, or upset, often in response to a significant negative event or loss.