severe distress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe distress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of intense emotional or physical suffering. Example: "After hearing the news, she was in severe distress and needed immediate support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Oncologists recognized the presence of severe distress only in 11 of the 30 severely distressed patients.

British Journal of Cancer

They are so restrictively framed that women and girls in severe distress because of unwanted pregnancies continue to face cumbersome and distressing barriers.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I think he's suffering severe distress".

The New York Times

After an agonizing night, with the baby in severe distress, the delivery team resorted to forceps.

The New Yorker

One day he came to my office in severe distress, looking really wild and upset.

The Guardian

No lawmaker has constituents who are unaffected, if not in distress, perhaps severe distress.

The New York Times

Without the stabilization, the infrastructure will experience severe distress, which results in poor performance.

Ground Improvement Case Histories Chemical, Electrokinetic, Thermal and Bioengineering

Yet all these deeds are little more than variations on the theme of a damsel in severe distress.

The New Yorker

A minority experience severe distress, which impacts on their daily lives.

Independent

"The crisps contain extra hot chips and it has come to our attention that they can cause severe distress, particularly to those with sensitivities, allergies or breathing problems".

The Guardian

Her experience led George Pindar School in Scarborough to issue a warning to parents that the crisps could "cause severe distress".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "severe distress" to convey a significant level of suffering, whether emotional, physical, or financial. It's stronger than simply "distress" and indicates a situation requiring serious attention.

Common error

Avoid using "severe distress" to describe minor inconveniences or slight discomfort. The phrase is best reserved for situations involving significant hardship or suffering, ensuring its impact is not diluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe distress" functions as a noun phrase, where "severe" modifies the noun "distress". It describes a state of intense suffering, whether physical, emotional, or financial. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "severe distress" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a state of intense suffering. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its broad applicability across varied contexts, especially news, scientific, and academic domains. It's crucial to use the phrase judiciously, reserving it for scenarios that genuinely warrant such a strong descriptor, and avoid diluting its impact in less critical situations. Alternatives like "intense suffering" or "extreme anguish" may offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. Due to its proper use, the phrase is effective in highlighting the urgency and severity of challenging circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense suffering

Emphasizes the high degree of pain or discomfort experienced.

extreme anguish

Highlights the emotional and mental torment.

acute agony

Focuses on the sharp and intense nature of the pain.

profound misery

Underscores the depth and extent of unhappiness.

grave torment

Implies a serious and prolonged period of suffering.

intense hardship

Highlights the difficult and challenging circumstances.

extreme difficulty

Focuses on the challenging nature of a situation or experience.

acute hardship

Emphasizes the sudden and severe onset of difficulties.

deep affliction

Implies a state of great suffering, especially from illness or loss.

serious trouble

A more general term indicating significant problems or difficulties.

FAQs

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

Use "severe distress" to describe a state of significant suffering. For example: "The patient was in "severe distress" due to the injury." or "The community experienced "severe distress" after the natural disaster."

What are some alternatives to "severe distress"?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives like "intense suffering", "extreme anguish", or "acute agony" to describe a state of significant discomfort or difficulty.

Is it appropriate to use "severe distress" in a formal setting?

Yes, "severe distress" is appropriate for formal settings when accurately describing a situation involving significant suffering or hardship. However, consider the audience and context to ensure it conveys the intended meaning effectively.

What distinguishes "severe distress" from general "distress"?

"Severe distress" indicates a significantly higher degree of suffering than general "distress". While "distress" can refer to any state of discomfort or difficulty, "severe distress" implies a level of intensity that requires immediate attention or intervention.