is distressed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is distressed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is experiencing emotional pain or anxiety. Example: "After hearing the news, she is distressed and needs some time to process her feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When Iyal is distressed, Chancer is distressed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Everyone is distressed and thinks that their distress is more urgent than your distress.

Huffington Post

I will think of my misbehaving child as "distressed" not "bad" and try to understand what she is distressed about.

HuffPost

Every educated person is distressed right now".

The New Yorker

His young daughter (Ms. Franklin) is distressed.

The New York Times

The exterior is distressed, but inside all is convivial.

Independent

She is distressed because she feels old and fat.

The New Yorker

The third is distressed debt, which gained added relevance after the credit squeeze.

The New York Times

But when a doctor is distressed, how is an income graph by specialty helpful?

The Washington Post

My daughter is distressed and has lost a lot of blood.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He is distressed to… Writer is moving from his Turtle Bay apartment and has some special problems.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the appearance of an object, such as furniture, "is distressed" can refer to a deliberate aesthetic choice to make it look aged or worn.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "is distressed" can sound overly formal or dramatic in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "is upset" or "is worried" when speaking with friends or family.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is distressed" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "is" serves as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "distressed". It describes the state or condition of the subject, indicating they are experiencing emotional or mental suffering. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

14%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is distressed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe someone experiencing emotional or mental suffering. As evidenced by Ludwig, it appears in numerous reputable sources, primarily in news and media, but also in academic and formal business contexts. While it conveys a sense of significant concern, it's essential to consider the context and choose simpler alternatives like "is upset" or "is worried" in more casual settings. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its validity and broad applicability, making it a versatile phrase for expressing empathy and concern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is upset

Direct synonym, indicating a state of unhappiness or worry. It's less formal than "is distressed".

is troubled

Implies a state of worry or anxiety, often due to a specific problem.

is worried

Indicates a state of concern about potential problems or dangers.

is anxious

Suggests a state of nervousness or unease, often about an imminent event or uncertain outcome.

is concerned

Expresses a feeling of care or worry about someone or something.

is saddened

Indicates a feeling of sorrow or unhappiness, often due to a specific event or loss.

is pained

Highlights emotional or mental suffering, often more intense than simple sadness.

is disturbed

Implies a disruption of peace or tranquility, leading to emotional upset.

is disheartened

Indicates a loss of enthusiasm or hope, often due to disappointment.

is anguished

Expresses extreme mental or physical suffering.

FAQs

How can I use "is distressed" in a sentence?

You can use "is distressed" to describe someone experiencing emotional pain or anxiety. For example, "She is distressed by the news" or "The patient is distressed and needs immediate attention".

What can I say instead of "is distressed"?

You can use alternatives like "is upset", "is worried", or "is troubled" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is distressed" or "are distressed"?

"Is distressed" is correct for singular subjects, while "are distressed" is correct for plural subjects. For example, "She is distressed" versus "They are distressed".

What's the difference between "is distressed" and "is disturbing"?

"Is distressed" describes someone experiencing emotional suffering, while "is disturbing" describes something that causes unease or anxiety in others. They have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably.