find a distracting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "find a distracting" is not correct in English as it is incomplete and lacks clarity.
It could be used in a context where one is looking for something that serves as a distraction, but it needs to be rephrased for proper usage. Example: "I need to find a distracting activity to take my mind off things."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Find a distracting activity.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But immersed in that constant commotion, I was convinced you can't find a more distracted big league ballpark crowd than the ones at Dodger Stadium.

Huffington Post

Find a way to distract your mind, by reading a book for example.

The Guardian

Then, when it seems that "nothing good is accomplished," you should find a way to distract yourself, preferably by going on a "walk or a journey".

The New Yorker

"Rash drivers will always find a way to distract themselves".

BBC

It was the actual bookie who had to sneak into the education wing of the place, where the copy machines were located, and find a way to distract the staff and make copies of the cards listing the odds for all the day's games.

Vice

Or if you notice a guy is being too pushy, take him aside or find a way to distract him.

WikiHow

If thoughts of suicide or self-harm begin to overwhelm you, stop and find a way to distract yourself.

WikiHow

Instead of focusing on the clock and calculating how late it is and how much more sleep you need, try to find a way to distract yourself in a relaxing way.

WikiHow

Whether you are waiting in line, waiting for your date to finish getting ready or eagerly awaiting an important day, the time will pass faster if you are able to find a way to distract yourself.

WikiHow

Doesn't really matter if you can play and if your terrible find a way to distract this by maybe wearing odd clothes or starting fights and such until you get alright.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to divert attention from something unpleasant or stressful, use the grammatically correct phrase "find a distraction" or "find something distracting" for clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using incomplete phrases like "find a distracting". Instead, complete the thought with a noun (e.g., "find a distracting activity") or rephrase to "find something distracting" to maintain grammatical correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "find a distracting" functions as an incomplete verb phrase. The verb "find" requires a direct object, which is missing or improperly formed, as "distracting" is an adjective and not a noun. As the Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is not correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "find a distracting" appears in some contexts, it is grammatically incomplete and should be avoided in formal writing. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase lacks clarity and requires completion to form a coherent thought. Instead, opt for alternatives like "find a distraction" or "find something distracting" to convey the intended meaning more accurately. While it occasionally appears in informal contexts like WikiHow or news articles, its rarity and grammatical issues make it a less desirable choice for precise communication. Therefore, always prioritize grammatical correctness and clarity when expressing the need to discover something that diverts attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

find a distraction

This alternative replaces the adjective "distracting" with the noun "distraction", offering a grammatically correct shorter version.

look for something distracting

This alternative uses "look for" instead of "find", emphasizing the act of searching, and replaces the adjective "distracting" by the same one preceded by "something".

seek a diverting activity

This option uses the more formal "seek" instead of "find" and replaces "distracting" with "diverting", implying a more intentional search for amusement.

discover a way to distract yourself

This phrase focuses on finding a method to divert one's own attention, adding a reflexive element.

identify a means of distraction

This alternative is more formal, using "identify" and "means of distraction", suggesting a careful consideration of available options.

find something to take your mind off it

This phrase emphasizes the purpose of distraction, which is to remove thoughts from something.

locate a form of escapism

This alternative introduces the concept of "escapism", suggesting a retreat from reality through distraction.

find an engaging diversion

Using "engaging diversion" suggests finding something that actively captures attention and interest.

uncover a source of amusement

This option focuses on finding something that provides pleasure and entertainment, acting as a distraction.

pursue a recreational activity

This suggests actively seeking an activity done for enjoyment that serves as a distraction.

FAQs

What is a more grammatically correct way to say "find a distracting"?

The phrase "find a distracting" is incomplete. Correct alternatives include "find a distraction" or "find something distracting".

How can I use "find a distraction" in a sentence?

You can use "find a distraction" in sentences like: "When I feel stressed, I try to find a distraction to take my mind off things."

Is it better to say "find a distraction" or "find something distracting"?

Both "find a distraction" and "find something distracting" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably depending on the context. The former is more concise.

What does it mean to "find something distracting"?

To "find something distracting" means to discover an object, activity, or thought that is capable of diverting your attention away from something else, usually something unpleasant or difficult.