severely troubled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severely troubled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is experiencing significant distress or difficulty. Example: "After the unexpected news, she felt severely troubled and couldn't concentrate on her work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Yes, the economy is severely troubled and it affects us all.

The New Yorker

She and her son barely know each other, and her daughter has been severely troubled from an early age.

The New York Times - Books

Some, for example, have installed emergency systems where severely troubled patients are automatically referred to a local suicide hot line.

The New York Times

Even for kids who aren't severely troubled, pop-punk has become a medium for ritual soundings of distress.

The New York Times - Arts

"This is a company that is severely troubled with massive debts," he told reporters here this week.

The New York Times

The therapies require an enormous commitment from already overloaded parents, and some children are too severely troubled to respond.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

A report issued by a special commission says the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department is "deeply troubled," severely mismanaged and rife with political favors.

The New York Times

However, despite this effort, childcare can still be severely affected in deeply troubled families with attendant risks for children.

BMC Public Health

The US state department confirmed that Khdeir is being held by Israeli authorities, and said: "We are profoundly troubled by reports that he was severely beaten while in police custody and strongly condemn any excessive use of force".

Independent

United, which has been troubled by labor disputes and strategic blunders in recent years, had been severely criticized for its customer service long before Sept. 11.

The New York Times

The mayor said that he was troubled by the reports of the officers' nonchalance, and that if Internal Affairs investigators verified the accounts, "those officers should be severely disciplined".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing people, use "severely troubled" to convey a deep and persistent state of emotional or psychological distress. Ensure that the context provides evidence of this state, rather than implying a temporary setback.

Common error

Avoid using "severely troubled" to describe minor or temporary problems. The phrase implies a significant and enduring level of distress or dysfunction, so ensure the situation warrants such a strong description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severely troubled" functions primarily as an adjectival modifier, describing the state or condition of a noun. Ludwig AI examples show its use in describing individuals, relationships, or systems experiencing significant difficulties. It adds emphasis to the level of distress or dysfunction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "severely troubled" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjectival phrase used to describe entities experiencing significant distress or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and suggests that the phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, appearing frequently in news and media sources, as well as in scientific articles. When using this phrase, ensure that the severity aligns with the described situation, and consider alternatives like "deeply distressed" or "gravely afflicted" depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeply distressed

Focuses on the emotional distress aspect rather than the overall state of being troubled.

gravely afflicted

Emphasizes the seriousness and negative impact of the trouble.

seriously distressed

Highlights the intensity of the distress experienced.

acutely disturbed

Focuses on the mental or emotional disturbance aspect.

badly affected

Indicates a negative impact or consequence.

heavily burdened

Implies being weighed down by problems or difficulties.

greatly worried

Highlights the anxiety and concern associated with the trouble.

in dire straits

Suggests a situation of extreme difficulty or danger.

facing acute hardship

Focuses on the difficulties and suffering being experienced.

experiencing severe hardship

This is a more general and neutral expression.

FAQs

How can I use "severely troubled" in a sentence?

You can use "severely troubled" to describe individuals, relationships, or even economies facing significant difficulties. For example, "The "severely troubled teenager" received counseling" or "The "severely troubled economy" required intervention".

What are some alternatives to "severely troubled"?

Alternatives include "deeply distressed", "gravely afflicted", or "seriously distressed". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "severely troubled" in formal writing?

Yes, "severely troubled" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing serious issues with precision. However, consider the audience and context to ensure it is the most suitable term. Using something like "acutely disturbed" might be better.

What is the difference between "troubled" and "severely troubled"?

"Troubled" indicates a state of worry or difficulty, while "severely troubled" implies a much greater intensity and depth of problems. "Severely troubled" suggests a more critical or concerning situation than simply "troubled."