it was extremely distressing

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It was extremely distressing to read "Partying Like It's 1999" (Oct.

The New York Times - Style

Tina Donnelly, director of the Royal College of Nursing in Wales, said it was "extremely distressing to listen to a family who are left with those memories".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Doctors and the company are now trying to understand the scope of the problem, but experts say it is extremely distressing because the wires are particularly dangerous to remove and also may pose dangers if they are left in.

The New York Times - Health

He said it was a "dreadful disease and it's extremely distressing for farmers to have to cope with it".

BBC

It's extremely distressing".

Huffington Post

Andrew (Intensive Care Specialist) highlights this with some families applying pressure to inappropriately exhaust all options: "some families push for everything to be done…and it's, I mean it's extremely distressing to see someone dying and knowing that there could be other ways of doing this".

BMC Palliative Care

Taylor said: "Witnessing the extreme distress of that man being violently restrained against his will and being detained myself was extremely distressing.

The Guardian

For the victims' families, the prolonged nature of each investigation was extremely distressing.

The Guardian

His wife, Tana, said in evidence that the discovery that her father and brother were "systematically defrauding" her husband was "extremely distressing".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But conflicting advice over where children should go was "extremely distressing and confusing" to children who were struggling to understand where they should go and how they were supposed to get there, the charity said.

The Guardian

But conflicting advice over where children should go was "extremely distressing and confusing" to those who were struggling to understand where they should go and how they were supposed to get there, according to the charity Help Refugees.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an event, follow "it was extremely distressing" with specifics to clarify the nature and source of the distress for greater impact and understanding.

Common error

While appropriate for formal or neutral registers, avoid using "it was extremely distressing" too casually in informal settings. Opt for more conversational alternatives like "it was really upsetting" or "it was awful" for better alignment with tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was extremely distressing" functions as an expressive statement used to convey the speaker's or subject's emotional reaction to a particular event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. The word "distressing" functions as the adjective expressing a cause of anxiety, pain, or suffering.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was extremely distressing" serves as an expressive statement to describe situations causing significant emotional pain or discomfort. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Analysis indicates that it most frequently appears in News & Media, as well as Science contexts, with a neutral to formal register. While there exist many alternatives, variations in word choice can alter the intensity of sentiment. When using this phrase, clarity can be enhanced by including specific details regarding the source and nature of the distress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was very upsetting

Replaces "extremely distressing" with a milder term, reducing the intensity of the emotional impact.

it was remarkably upsetting

Similar to "very upsetting", but emphasizes the unusual or unexpected nature of the upset.

it was deeply disturbing

Emphasizes the unsettling and psychologically impactful nature of the experience.

it was profoundly troubling

Highlights the worrisome and concerning aspects of the situation.

it was incredibly painful

Focuses on the emotional pain and suffering caused by the event.

it was exceptionally disheartening

Stresses the loss of hope and encouragement resulting from the experience.

it was acutely agonizing

Conveys a sense of intense and prolonged suffering.

it caused immense suffering

Shifts the focus to the suffering caused, rather than the distress felt.

it generated significant anguish

Highlights the feeling of severe mental or physical suffering caused by the event.

it inflicted considerable pain

Focuses on the act of inflicting pain, whether emotional or physical.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was extremely distressing" to sound less formal?

Consider using alternatives like "it was really upsetting", "it was awful", or "it was so hard to see" in less formal contexts. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "it was extremely distressing" and "it was slightly distressing"?

"It was extremely distressing" indicates a high degree of emotional upset, while "it was slightly distressing" suggests a milder level of discomfort. The choice depends on the intensity of the emotion you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it was extremely distressing" in writing?

Use "it was extremely distressing" in situations where you want to convey a significant level of emotional pain or upset, such as describing a traumatic event, a serious loss, or a deeply troubling situation. It is appropriate for formal and neutral contexts.

Are there synonyms for "distressing" that I can use with "it was extremely"?

Yes, you can use words like "upsetting", "troubling", "painful", or "disturbing" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. For instance, "it was extremely upsetting" "it was extremely upsetting" emphasizes emotional upset, while "it was extremely disturbing" "it was extremely disturbing" highlights the unsettling nature of the event.