in distress

USAGE SUMMARY

"in distress" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of extreme physical or mental agitation caused by events or situations. For example, "The soldier was left in distress after being wounded in battle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I kept myself in distress.

The New York Times

By 1962, she's in distress.

The New York Times - Books

Being in distress hurts.

The Guardian - Opinion

She was in distress.

The New York Times

I was in distress.

The Guardian - Books

He whinnies in distress.

The Guardian

Most deals involve firms in distress.

The Economist

Mild swearing and children in distress.

The New York Times

Or save a damsel in distress.

The New York Times - Books

Several large areas remain in distress.

The New York Times

She was certainly no damsel in distress.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "in distress", ensure the context clearly indicates the source and nature of their suffering, whether it's physical, emotional, or situational.

Common error

While "in distress" is widely understood, overuse in formal or business writing can make your prose sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "in crisis", "suffering", or "in dire straits" for variation and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in distress" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its condition. Ludwig examples show it describing people, animals, and even abstract concepts like markets.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in distress" effectively communicates a state of suffering or urgent need. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. Its neutral to formal tone makes it suitable for diverse contexts, especially news and media. While highly common, varying your language with synonyms like "in trouble" or "suffering" can enrich your writing. Remember to clearly define the source of distress to provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation. Ludwig provides numerous examples to ensure its proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in trouble

Indicates a state of difficulty or danger, similar to being "in distress" but more general.

in need

Highlights the lack of essential resources or support, implying a state of "in distress".

in difficulty

Focuses on the presence of challenges or problems, suggesting a situation where someone might be "in distress".

suffering

Emphasizes the experience of pain or hardship, a key component of being "in distress".

in crisis

Implies a critical or unstable situation, often leading to someone being "in distress".

in danger

Highlights the presence of a threat, a common reason for someone to be "in distress".

in despair

Focuses on the loss of hope, a possible emotional state when "in distress".

in agony

Emphasizes severe physical or mental suffering, which can be a state of being "in distress".

under pressure

Suggests being subjected to stress or strain, which can lead to feeling "in distress".

in dire straits

Indicates a very difficult or dangerous situation, similar to being severely "in distress".

FAQs

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

You can use "in distress" to describe a person, animal, or even a system experiencing significant difficulty or suffering. For example: "The sailor sent out a signal when he was "in distress"." or "The housing market is "in distress"."

What are some alternatives to saying "in distress"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "in trouble", "in need", "suffering", or "in crisis". These phrases convey similar meanings while providing variety in your writing.

Is it appropriate to use "in distress" in formal writing?

Yes, "in distress" is generally appropriate for formal writing, but be mindful of overuse. In some cases, more precise or nuanced language might be preferable. Consider if alternatives like "in jeopardy" or "in peril" might be a better fit.

What's the difference between "in distress" and "distressed"?

"In distress" is a prepositional phrase describing a state or condition, while "distressed" is an adjective. You might say "The animal was "in distress"" (phrase) or "The "distressed animal" needed help" (adjective).