obviously disturbed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obviously disturbed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is clearly showing signs of emotional or mental distress. Example: "After hearing the news, she appeared obviously disturbed, unable to focus on the conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

We certainly don't know what motivated the obviously disturbed individual facing charges in Arizona.

The New York Times

With hindsight, mass shooters are often described as obviously disturbed, he notes.

The Economist

"He was obviously disturbed by that and was thinking of going to see a priest.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His former wife has told media he was "obviously disturbed, deeply, and traumatised".

The Guardian

The final blow to my fashion self-esteem came when I saw on a corner an obviously disturbed street person.

The New York Times

Aaron Alexis was very obviously disturbed for a considerable period prior to the shooting in the Washington Navy Yard on Monday, and no one did much about it.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"This obviously disturbs people who are trying to convince the public that they are doing surgical operations".

The New York Times - Magazine

The data, collected by NASA satellites and available here, suggests that the Tigris-Euphrates is experiencing the second fastest rate of water depletion in the world, after northern India.That is obviously disturbing in its own right and, as the article points out, will put considerable pressure on the existing (minimal) system of water management in the basin.

The Economist

However, when these "standard practices" are applied to more classic images, they become more obviously disturbing.

Huffington Post

Details of the shooting were obviously disturbing when the news first broke, and not just because it was over a stupidly small amount of pot.

Vice

"This is part of a larger pattern that I do think obviously disturbs conservatives and I think it ought to disturb every American regardless of one's political stripe or flavor," Sanford said.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obviously disturbed", ensure that the context provides sufficient evidence to support the observation. Avoid making assumptions without clear indicators of distress.

Common error

Avoid labeling someone as "obviously disturbed" based on temporary emotional states. Ensure the observed behavior is consistent and indicative of a deeper issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obviously disturbed" primarily functions as a descriptive modifier, used to characterize someone's state of mind or emotional condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and usable phrase in written English, and used to describe people who are visibly exhibiting signs of mental or emotional distress.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obviously disturbed" is a valid and commonly used descriptor, primarily employed to convey that someone is exhibiting clear signs of emotional or mental distress. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. Its frequent use in news and media contexts suggests a neutral register, aiming to objectively report observations. While grammatically sound and widely understood, it's crucial to use the phrase judiciously, ensuring there's sufficient evidence to support the claim and avoiding misinterpretations of transient emotions. Alternatives like "clearly troubled", "visibly upset", and "plainly agitated" offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings while potentially mitigating judgmental connotations. Be mindful of context, especially in professional settings, and strive for accuracy and sensitivity in describing emotional states.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clearly troubled

Emphasizes the evident nature of the person's distress or problems.

visibly upset

Focuses on the outward display of negative emotions.

plainly agitated

Highlights a state of restlessness and anxiety that is easily observed.

noticeably distressed

Indicates that the person's suffering is easily perceived.

evidently shaken

Suggests the person is unsettled or traumatized in a way that's easy to see.

markedly anxious

Stresses a heightened state of worry and unease that is apparent.

distinctly perturbed

Highlights a clear state of being bothered or unsettled.

patently uneasy

Emphasizes the obvious discomfort the person is experiencing.

conspicuously worried

Focuses on how the worry is sticking out and is easy to see.

apparently distressed

Highlights that something is causing distress to a visible extent.

FAQs

How can I use "obviously disturbed" in a sentence?

You can use "obviously disturbed" to describe someone who is clearly showing signs of emotional or mental distress. For example: "The suspect appeared "obviously disturbed" during the interrogation."

What are some alternatives to saying "obviously disturbed"?

Some alternatives include "clearly troubled", "visibly upset", or "plainly agitated", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "obviously disturbed" in professional settings?

While "obviously disturbed" is generally acceptable, consider the context. In professional settings, it might be more appropriate to use less judgmental language, such as "noticeably distressed" or "apparently distressed", to maintain a neutral and respectful tone.

What is the difference between "obviously disturbed" and "mentally ill"?

"Obviously disturbed" describes a state of visible distress, while "mentally ill" refers to a diagnosed medical condition. It is important not to conflate the two, as someone can appear "obviously disturbed" without having a formal diagnosis of mental illness. Using more descriptive alternatives can prevent mischaracterization.