perturbed by something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perturbed by something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being disturbed, anxious, or unsettled due to a specific issue or event. Example: "She was perturbed by the unexpected news about the project delay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The French police were told the driver of the car seemed perturbed by something in his rear-view mirror.

The Guardian

To make sure that he's not just spooked, alarmed, or insanely perturbed by something, it's always best to take a look from the ground too.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Pellegrini's agent has publicly acknowledged that the Chilean boss is considering his future, perturbed by the fact that his job has turned into something very different from the task he signed up for.

BBC

Mental states are too often simply announced rather than evoked: "Something was going wrong in Will's psyche"; "Rowan seems perturbed by this information"; "Helen is raw with shame".

The New York Times - Books

· Perturbed by punctuation?

The Guardian

D'Antoni seemed perturbed by Marbury's decision.

The New York Times - Sports

Wilde was obviously perturbed by the exchange.

The New Yorker

Motivations are perturbed by the remembered past.

The New York Times

Julian Simon is not perturbed by such arithmetic.

The New York Times - Science

However, as a Welshman, I'm particularly perturbed by Fireman Sam.

The Guardian

"I wasn't perturbed by what happened at Newbury.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "perturbed by something", ensure the context clearly identifies what is causing the disturbance. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "perturbed by something" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "bothered" or "worried" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perturbed by something" functions as an adjectival phrase, describing a state of being disturbed or anxious. Ludwig's examples show its use to indicate unease caused by a specific issue, modifying a subject's emotional state.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "perturbed by something" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a state of mild anxiety or disturbance. Ludwig AI indicates that while acceptable, it's relatively rare and leans toward formal usage. The phrase is found most frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts. For more casual settings, synonyms such as "bothered" or "worried" may be more appropriate. Remember to clearly specify what is causing the disturbance to enhance clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disturbed by something

Emphasizes the disruption or agitation caused by the issue.

bothered by something

Replaces "perturbed" with a more common and less formal synonym, "bothered".

troubled by something

Indicates a state of worry or distress due to the situation.

worried about something

Simple and direct synonym focusing on the feeling of worry.

unsettled by something

Highlights the feeling of being made uneasy or lacking peace of mind.

concerned about something

Shifts the focus to a feeling of worry or concern regarding the issue.

uneasy about something

Highlights a sense of discomfort or anxiety related to the matter.

anxious about something

Focuses on the feeling of anxiety or nervousness caused by the issue.

agitated by something

Emphasizes a state of being stirred up or excited, often negatively.

apprehensive about something

Suggests a feeling of fear or dread about what might happen.

FAQs

What does "perturbed by something" mean?

It means to be disturbed, anxious, or unsettled by a particular issue or event. It suggests a state of mild agitation or worry.

How can I use "perturbed by something" in a sentence?

For example: "She was "perturbed by something" he said during the meeting", or "The driver seemed "perturbed by something" in his rearview mirror".

What can I say instead of "perturbed by something"?

You can use alternatives like "bothered by something", "concerned about something", or "disturbed by something" depending on the context.

Is "perturbed by something" formal or informal?

It leans towards formal. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives like "bothered by something" or "worried about something" may be more appropriate.