it would be distressing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it would be distressing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something is likely to cause emotional pain or discomfort. Example: "If the project fails, it would be distressing for everyone involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Although it would be distressing to lose your shared money, a pre-paid card is not linked to your bank account.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It has changed too drastically, she says, and she is afraid the experience would be distressing.

The New Yorker

Unlike Benson, he estimated that average death takes between three and seven minutes: "For any animal, that would be distressing".

The Guardian

The choice of lethal chemicals risks a prolonged execution for another death row inmate, which would be distressing for witnesses and the American people – and could inflict excruciating pain on Warner in violation of the US constitution.

The Guardian

Coroner Mary Hassell, sitting at Poplar coroner's court, had given a "very strong warning" to the student's relatives and HGV driver Richard James, that the evidence would be distressing and upsetting.

The Guardian

The simulation theorist says that the reason for this is that, when we experience an emotion off-line that would be distressing in real life, we may actually enjoy having that emotion in the safety of the off-line situation.

SEP

Scharre, who served multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, agreed that such a development would be distressing.

Vice

However many participants expressed a "no news is good news" approach, reflecting that seeking information on the internet could lead them to more information than they needed, and that some of that information would be distressing.

BMC Family Practice

It would be particularly distressing for patients and extremely worrying for staff, who are dedicated to putting patients first".

BBC

I didn't tell her about my pregnancy in my 40s [she had a miscarriage] because I knew it would be very distressing for her.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In March, Fogliani refused to release the footage on the grounds it would be too distressing for Dhu's family, despite Dhu's family supporting the application for its release.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, prefer alternatives such as "troubling" or "disturbing", which provide a degree of formality while communicating comparable emotional weight.

Common error

While versatile, "it would be distressing" can sound somewhat informal in highly professional or academic writing. Opt for more precise and impactful vocabulary to enhance clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it would be distressing" functions as an evaluative expression, indicating a prediction of emotional discomfort or unease resulting from a hypothetical or potential situation. As verified by Ludwig, it correctly expresses something that is likely to cause emotional pain.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it would be distressing" is a commonly used phrase to express that a particular situation is likely to cause emotional discomfort. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for various contexts, though it can sound slightly informal in highly formal settings. Alternatives like "upsetting", "troubling", or "disturbing" may be more appropriate depending on the situation. It is most frequently encountered in news and media, scientific, and wiki contexts. While this phrase is generally neutral, it's wise to consider more formal expressions in professional and academic environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it would be upsetting

This alternative is less formal and carries a slightly milder emotional impact than the original phrase.

it would be troubling

This alternative suggests a cause for concern or worry, focusing more on the problematic nature of the situation.

it would be disturbing

This alternative implies a deeper level of unease, suggesting something unsettling or disruptive.

it would be disheartening

This alternative emphasizes the loss of morale or enthusiasm that the situation could cause.

it would be painful

This alternative focuses on the emotional suffering or hurt that would result from the situation.

it would be regrettable

This alternative suggests that the situation would be a cause for sorrow or disappointment.

it would be unfortunate

This alternative is a milder expression, suggesting bad luck or an undesirable outcome.

it would be grievous

This alternative is a more formal and intense way of expressing that something would cause sorrow or pain.

it would be agonizing

This alternative emphasizes extreme mental or physical suffering.

it would be calamitous

This alternative highlights the disastrous or catastrophic nature of the potential outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "it would be distressing" in a sentence?

You can use "it would be distressing" to express that a situation is likely to cause emotional discomfort or unease. For example, "If the company closes, "it would be distressing" for all the employees".

What are some alternatives to "it would be distressing"?

Alternatives include "it would be upsetting", "it would be troubling", or "it would be disturbing", depending on the level of emotional impact you want to convey.

Is "it would be distressing" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it would be distressing" might be perceived as slightly informal in very formal contexts. Consider using stronger or more precise vocabulary to enhance clarity and impact.

What is the difference between "it would be distressing" and "it would be upsetting"?

"It would be distressing" generally implies a deeper level of emotional discomfort than "it would be upsetting", though the two are often interchangeable. "Distressing" suggests a more prolonged or significant negative emotional impact.