it is very distressing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is very distressing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing feelings of sadness, anxiety, or discomfort regarding a situation or event. Example: "Hearing about the recent natural disaster and its impact on the community, I must say it is very distressing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"It is very distressing for my granddaughter and my daughter.

Independent

"It is very distressing that children should be expected to live like this in modern 21st century Europe," he said.

The Guardian

"It is very distressing as we recover more bodies day after day," said police spokesman Hitoshi Sugawara.

The Guardian

It is very distressing, because people come here for pleasure and when something like this happens it hurts everyone involved.

The Guardian

Steve Cheetham, the RSPCA's chief veterinary officer, said: "It is very distressing to think that people take pleasure in causing such horrific injuries to defenceless animals.

The Guardian

"It is very distressing to Dr. Waksal," the statement said, "that a company to which he devoted so much of his talent and energy over the past 17 years would take such an action against him".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

It's very distressing sometimes.

The Guardian

"It's very distressing for my partner.

Independent

"It's very distressing to watch.

The New York Times

"It was very distressing to see Jerry fall apart.

The New Yorker

Nichols said: "It's very distressing and very disturbing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it is very distressing", ensure that the context clearly explains why the situation is distressing. Provide specific details to enhance the impact and credibility of your statement.

Common error

While "it is very distressing" is acceptable, overuse in formal or academic writing can make your tone appear less professional. Consider stronger, more precise alternatives such as "it is deeply concerning" or "it is profoundly disturbing" to enhance the impact and authority of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is very distressing" functions as an adjective phrase, where "distressing" is the adjective describing the subject "it". It expresses a subjective feeling of concern, anxiety, or discomfort about a particular situation or event. Ludwig confirms its validity in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is very distressing" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase that expresses concern, anxiety, or discomfort. Ludwig AI validates that this phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources and holds a neutral register, lending itself to varied formal and informal contexts. When employing this phrase, it’s best practice to provide clear context for what is causing the distress. While acceptable, avoid overuse in formal contexts, opting instead for stronger synonyms like "deeply concerning" or "profoundly disturbing".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is deeply upsetting

Replaces "distressing" with "upsetting" for a slightly stronger emotional impact.

it is profoundly disturbing

Substitutes "distressing" with "disturbing", suggesting a deeper level of unease.

it is extremely concerning

Uses "concerning" instead of "distressing", focusing on the worrying aspect of the situation.

it is highly regrettable

Replaces "distressing" with "regrettable", emphasizing the unfortunate nature of the situation.

it is a cause for alarm

Shifts from personal feeling to the objective impact of the situation.

it fills me with anxiety

Expresses personal anxiety about the situation, rather than just acknowledging distress.

it is a source of great worry

Highlights the worrying aspect, replacing "distressing" with a more descriptive phrase.

it is something that troubles me

Personalizes the statement, indicating that the speaker is troubled by the situation.

it is a matter of grave concern

Emphasizes the seriousness of the situation, moving away from personal feelings.

it is heartbreaking

Uses a more emotive term to describe the situation, focusing on the emotional pain it causes.

FAQs

How can I use "it is very distressing" in a sentence?

You can use "it is very distressing" to express feelings of sadness, anxiety, or discomfort regarding a situation or event. For example, "it is very distressing to see the impact of the environmental disaster on local communities".

What can I say instead of "it is very distressing"?

You can use alternatives like "it is deeply upsetting", "it is extremely concerning", or "it is profoundly disturbing" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it is very distressing"?

Yes, "it is very distressing" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to express concern or worry about something.

What's the difference between "it is very distressing" and "it is deeply upsetting"?

"It is very distressing" generally conveys a sense of concern or worry, while "it is deeply upsetting" suggests a stronger emotional impact and a greater level of sadness.