less distress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less distress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a reduction in feelings of anxiety, discomfort, or suffering. Example: "The new therapy techniques have resulted in less distress for patients dealing with chronic pain."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We hope that this judgement results in less distress and a fairer process for bereaved people".

The Guardian

The closer you are to the center of Manhattan, the less distress and troubles you see.

The New York Times

They seemed to be in less distress than our current enlistees.

The New York Times

There's less distress in New York. A. New York is such a unique market, as you know.

The New York Times

"Such patients have better outcomes — less depression and less distress, and they're more likely to die comfortably at home".

The New York Times

Many divorce trends over the 20th century suggest that children, on average, should have experienced noticeably less distress over time from their parents' marriage ending.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A number of alterations, often causing more or less distress, occur in the physical condition and functions of the gastrointestinal tract during pregnancy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Indeed, some bidders had the impression that Christie's was in less distress than Sotheby's, which is still weathering the resignations of Diana D. Brooks, the company's president and chief executive, and A. Alfred Taubman, its chairman, on Feb. 21.

The New York Times - Arts

But all three countries withstood more serious food riots in the late 1970s and 1980s.In some of the poorest countries, rising food prices have been causing less distress than might have been expected because benefits have also appeared.

The Economist

And, oddly, the closer the viewer looks at the incisions, the less distress he feels; finally, his repugnance recedes and is replaced by something akin to awe for the work of the anonymous surgeon, for the neat and clean way the body has been closed, for the small outward signs of damage.

The New Yorker

Compared with a placebo group, women taking flibanserin for 24 weeks reported a statistically significant increase in the number of "satisfying sexual events" they experienced, recorded increased sexual desire in their diaries and had less distress about sex.It all, then, sounds quite positive.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for conciseness, replace "less distress" with more specific terms like "reduced anxiety" or "lower discomfort" if the context allows.

Common error

While "less distress" is acceptable, repeatedly using it can make writing sound monotonous. Vary vocabulary by using synonyms such as "reduced anxiety", "alleviated suffering", or other context-specific alternatives to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less distress" primarily functions as a comparative expression, quantifying a reduction in negative emotional or physical states. It modifies an implied noun, indicating a diminished level of suffering, anxiety, or discomfort. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less distress" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression denoting a reduction in negative emotional or physical states. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, presenting numerous examples from diverse sources such as Science, News & Media, and Encyclopedias. While versatile, consider using synonyms such as ""reduced anxiety"" or ""lower discomfort"" for conciseness and to avoid monotony. The phrase's neutral to formal register makes it suitable for a range of writing contexts, especially those requiring objective and quantifiable descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced anxiety

Focuses specifically on the reduction of anxiety, a component of distress.

lessened worry

Emphasizes a decrease in feelings of concern or anxiety.

decreased unease

Focuses on reducing feelings of worry or anxiety.

lower discomfort

Emphasizes the physical or emotional discomfort being lessened.

soothed pain

Highlights the calming or alleviation of pain, whether physical or emotional.

alleviated suffering

Highlights the easing of suffering, which is a more intense form of distress.

diminished anguish

Implies a lessening of severe mental or physical suffering.

mitigated hardship

Suggests a reduction in difficult or adverse conditions.

eased burden

Implies the lightening of a load, whether emotional or physical.

lightened sorrow

Specifically addresses a reduction in sadness or grief.

FAQs

How can I use "less distress" in a sentence?

You can use "less distress" to describe a reduction in negative emotions or physical discomfort. For example, "The new medication resulted in "less distress" for the patients".

What are some alternatives to "less distress"?

Alternatives include "reduced anxiety", "lower discomfort", or "alleviated suffering", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "fewer distress" instead of "less distress"?

No, "fewer" is used for countable nouns, while "less" is used for uncountable nouns. "Distress" is generally uncountable, so "less distress" is the correct form.

What's the difference between "less distress" and "more comfort"?

"Less distress" focuses on reducing negative feelings, while "more comfort" emphasizes increasing positive feelings of ease and well-being. Although related, they address different aspects of a person's state.