it was distressing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was distressing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or experience that caused emotional pain or discomfort. Example: "After hearing the news about the accident, it was distressing to think about the families affected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

It was distressing.

Independent

So it was distressing for me.

The Guardian - Sport

But it was distressing nonetheless; another bit of evidence pointing towards a jobless recovery.

The Economist

It was distressing, then, to discover that the one thing we all want is that toadstool.

The New Yorker

It was distressing for me as an ex-headteacher to see teachers being treated that way".

The Guardian

"It was distressing to see so many customers treated in such a way," states Longden.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

As Jane suggests, in the above extract, it is distressing to witness the distress of your children.

Health and Place

But it's distressing that so much of its history gets lost along the way.

The Guardian - Music

It is distressing that a society cannot guarantee safety to its children.

Huffington Post

"It's distressing".

The New York Times

It is distressing, Correia says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was distressing", ensure the context clearly indicates what caused the distress to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was distressing" in casual conversations or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "it was sad" or "it was awful" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was distressing" typically functions as a subjective evaluation expressing the speaker's emotional response to a situation or event. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was distressing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express emotional discomfort or concern. Ludwig confirms its validity, showing its prevalence in News & Media and Science. While appropriate in many contexts, consider simpler alternatives for informal settings. Remember to clearly indicate the cause of distress to avoid ambiguity. Understanding the nuance of the phrase and its alternatives helps in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it caused distress

Changes the verb and slightly rephrases to focus on the action of causing distress.

it was upsetting

Replaces "distressing" with a more common synonym, "upsetting".

it was troubling

Substitutes "distressing" with "troubling", indicating a cause for concern.

it was alarming

Replaces "distressing" with "alarming", suggesting a sense of urgency or fear.

it was disheartening

Substitutes "distressing" with "disheartening", focusing on the loss of morale or hope.

it was painful

Replaces "distressing" with "painful", emphasizing the emotional suffering.

it was agonizing

Substitutes "distressing" with "agonizing", conveying intense suffering.

it was grievous

Replaces "distressing" with "grievous", a more formal term indicating severe suffering or sorrow.

it induced anxiety

Changes the structure to emphasize the effect of inducing anxiety.

it created unease

Rephrases to focus on the creation of a feeling of unease or discomfort.

FAQs

How can I use "it was distressing" in a sentence?

You can use "it was distressing" to describe something that caused emotional pain or discomfort. For example, "It was distressing to witness the impact of the hurricane on the coastal communities."

What can I say instead of "it was distressing"?

You can use alternatives like "it was upsetting", "it was troubling", or "it caused distress" depending on the context.

Is "it was distressing" formal or informal?

"It was distressing" leans towards the formal side but is appropriate in many contexts. If you're aiming for a more casual tone, consider using "it was upsetting" or "it was awful".

Which is correct, "it was distressing" or "that was distressing"?

Both "it was distressing" and "that was distressing" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the context. "It was distressing" is more general, while "that was distressing" usually refers to a specific event or situation.