mental turmoil

USAGE SUMMARY

'mental turmoil' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of distress, confusion, or uncertainty that someone is experiencing in their mind. For example, "The prolonged lockdown has caused many people to suffer from mental turmoil."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Talk about mental turmoil.

The Guardian - Sport

And so the terrible mental turmoil begins.

The Guardian - Film

Gregg was to witness unimaginable carnage that brought him decades of mental turmoil.

Independent

"I don't make a hobby of mental turmoil," he wrote in "Have Tux, Will Travel".

The New Yorker

After a few more failed attempts, he wrote "Quiet," a dissonant ballad that draws on Matilda's mental turmoil.

The New Yorker

She didn't want the word "suicide", with its connotations of mental turmoil and despair, on her death certificate.

The Guardian - Books

His death was by suicide, during a period of mental turmoil, partly induced by the growing success of the idea of evolution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Selling the business was his biggest regret.He blamed that error on his mental turmoil following the divorce from his second wife (of four).

The Economist

Chief among these are "Waking in Blue," which tells of his confinement in a mental hospital, and "Skunk Hour," which conveys his mental turmoil with dramatic intensity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Since she doesn't like the ones on offer, she invents her own: Nerves of Steel No favors for fuckers Throughout the book, there have been intimations of mental turmoil, inner struggles.

The New Yorker

Evidence for mental turmoil?

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mental turmoil" to describe situations involving significant distress, confusion, or internal conflict. It's suitable when referring to psychological states caused by trauma, difficult decisions, or prolonged stress.

Common error

Avoid using "mental turmoil" to describe everyday worries or mild anxiety. This phrase suggests a more profound and disruptive psychological state, not just fleeting concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mental turmoil" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject complement. It describes a state of inner disturbance, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mental turmoil" is a commonly used phrase that describes a state of significant psychological distress, confusion, or conflict. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in a variety of contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic writing. While generally neutral in tone, it is best reserved for situations involving more than just everyday anxiety. Consider alternatives like "emotional distress" or "inner conflict" to fine-tune your description. Remember, effective writing involves choosing the most precise language to accurately convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emotional distress

Focuses more on the emotional aspect of the disturbance, rather than the mental confusion or chaos.

psychological distress

Emphasizes the psychological aspect of the suffering.

inner conflict

Highlights the internal struggle and opposing forces within the mind.

emotional upheaval

Suggests a sudden and significant disturbance of emotional stability.

psychological struggle

Focuses on the effort required to cope with internal mental or emotional problems.

mental anguish

Highlights the severe suffering and pain of the mental state.

inner chaos

Emphasizes the state of complete disorder and confusion within the mind.

emotional turbulence

Draws a parallel to physical turbulence, suggesting instability and agitation.

cognitive dissonance

Refers to the discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs or ideas.

internal strife

Highlights the conflict and discord occurring within one's self.

FAQs

What does "mental turmoil" mean?

"Mental turmoil" refers to a state of great confusion, distress, and inner conflict. It describes significant emotional and psychological disturbance.

How can I use "mental turmoil" in a sentence?

You can use "mental turmoil" to describe a character's inner state or a person's reaction to a stressful event. For example, "The protagonist experienced great "mental turmoil" after witnessing the accident."

What are some alternatives to "mental turmoil"?

Alternatives include "emotional distress", "inner conflict", and "psychological struggle". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "mental turmoil" a formal or informal expression?

"Mental turmoil" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, avoid overusing it in casual conversation.