full of distress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "full of distress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, person, or thing that is experiencing or characterized by a significant amount of distress or suffering. Example: "After hearing the news, she was full of distress, unable to focus on anything else."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The volunteers working through online solidarity networks knew it would be a day full of distress calls.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was now that Hanwell left his fox and turned to me, his face full of distress.

The New Yorker

The national convenor of the Zimbabwe Christian Alliance, Bishop Levee Kadenge, says his country is "under siege and full of distress".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The main finding of this study was a dose-response association between psychological distress and mortality from all causes, cardiovascular disease, and external causes across the full range of distress, even in people who would not usually come to the attention of mental health services.

British Medical Journal

He worked there on the chemistry of the brain in a way that seemed to him quite futile: though he was in a hospital full of human distress they worked on slices of cow's brains from the local abattoir.

The Guardian - Books

A helpful guide for those of us who have suffered any type of hurt in their past which means all of us Stop Overreacting offers a road map for transitioning from a world full of emotional distress to one of calmness, control, and well-being.

University of California, Berkeley

Perhaps the guilty pleasure as we know it today, with all of its nudging and winking about the old notions of cultural hierarchy, of obsessions between "high" and "low," was made possible by old cultural warriors like Bloom and Bill Bennett; their language was so overwrought, so full of swivet and distress, that irony might have seemed the most sensible response.

The New Yorker

Her story was certainly full of pain and distress but one thing she said to me that resonated during our conversation was how she had been told that it would take 2 years to heal for every year she had been married.

Huffington Post

Peace is in short supply in this house full of female bodies in distress.

The New Yorker

Monumental and full of allusions to the distress experienced by Europeans, the picture was bought Tuesday night by a European collector, not otherwise identified.

The New York Times - Arts

He described a region in distress, full of "coyotes, cartels, drug dealers and human traffickers". He once again misrepresented the size and the intention of the immigrant caravans that have made their way from Central America toward the border with the United States, presenting them to the American people not as desperate refugees but as an immediate danger.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "full of distress", ensure the context clearly establishes the source or cause of the distress to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether it's a person, a situation, or a place that is experiencing distress.

Common error

Avoid using "full of distress" in everyday situations or for minor inconveniences. The phrase is best reserved for scenarios involving significant emotional or psychological suffering. Overusing it can diminish its impact and sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full of distress" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It typically describes a state of being characterized by significant suffering, anxiety, or pain. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "full of distress" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that effectively conveys a state of significant emotional or psychological suffering. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. While not exceedingly common, it appears primarily in news and media, science, and academic contexts. When employing this phrase, it's important to ensure the context warrants its use, reserving it for situations involving genuine and considerable distress to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives like "fraught with distress" or "overwhelmed with distress" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. The phrase functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying nouns and aiming to evoke empathy by emphasizing the gravity of a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fraught with distress

Replaces "full" with "fraught", emphasizing the presence of distress as a source of anxiety or concern.

overwhelmed with distress

Emphasizes the feeling of being burdened or incapacitated by distress.

consumed by distress

Suggests that distress is all-encompassing, taking over one's thoughts and feelings.

filled with anguish

Replaces "distress" with "anguish", implying a more profound and intense suffering.

beset by distress

Indicates that distress is actively afflicting or harassing someone.

gripped by distress

Highlights the sudden and powerful hold that distress can have on someone.

laden with distress

Implies being heavily burdened or weighed down by distress.

awash with distress

Conveys a sense of being flooded or submerged in distress.

riddled with distress

Suggests that distress is pervasive and affects many aspects of something.

teeming with distress

Indicates a high concentration or abundance of distress.

FAQs

How can I use "full of distress" in a sentence?

You can use "full of distress" to describe a person, situation, or place experiencing significant suffering. For example, "The refugees were "full of distress" after losing their homes".

What are some alternatives to "full of distress"?

Alternatives include "fraught with distress", "overwhelmed with distress", or "consumed by distress", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "full of distress" or "filled with distress"?

Both "full of distress" and "filled with distress" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations. However, "full of" might suggest a more inherent or characteristic quality.

Can "full of distress" be used to describe both physical and emotional suffering?

While "full of distress" primarily implies emotional or psychological suffering, it can indirectly relate to physical suffering if the physical condition causes significant emotional upset. However, phrases like "in great pain" are more direct for physical suffering.