she was distraught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she was distraught" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is deeply upset or distressed, often due to a traumatic event or overwhelming emotions. Example: "After hearing the news of her friend's accident, she was distraught and struggled to compose herself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

She was distraught.

The New York Times

They could see that she was distraught.

The New Yorker

She was distraught when I told her.

The Guardian - Film

Her husband died and she was distraught.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

She was distraught over the treatment of her dying mother.

Harvard Business Review

She was distraught, but came to accept it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

She is distraught.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Gisele Fetterman said she is distraught thinking about Rose in the past tense.

The Washington Post

She sniffs his clothing for perfume and hires a detective; when the truth emerges, she is distraught.

The New Yorker

She is distraught, wants me to know something in case anything happens to her.

The Guardian

She is distraught and convinced that his mental health is deteriorating.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "she was distraught", ensure the context clearly indicates the cause of her distress to provide a complete understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "she was distraught" excessively in formal or professional writing, as it can sound overly emotional. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "she was concerned" or "she was upset" /s/she+was+upset to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she was distraught" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing a state of extreme emotional distress to a female subject. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "she was distraught" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a state of extreme emotional distress. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples from reputable sources, primarily in the news and media. While its usage is appropriate in many contexts, it is advisable to consider the tone and audience, opting for more neutral alternatives in formal writing, such as "she was concerned". The phrase effectively conveys deep emotional upset, making it a powerful tool in both narrative and descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she was devastated

This emphasizes the feeling of being overwhelmed by sadness or shock.

she was heartbroken

Focuses on the feeling of profound sadness, particularly after a loss or disappointment.

she was grief-stricken

Highlights the intense sorrow and suffering experienced due to a significant loss.

she was inconsolable

Indicates an inability to be comforted or consoled.

she was overcome with grief

Emphasizes the intensity and all-encompassing nature of her sorrow.

she was in despair

Suggests a state of hopelessness and loss of courage.

she was beside herself

Implies a state of extreme agitation or emotional distress.

she was in anguish

Highlights the physical and mental suffering experienced.

she was crushed

Implies that she experienced feelings of being overwhelmed and defeated by disappointment or sadness.

she was deeply saddened

This alternative expresses a more general feeling of unhappiness or sorrow.

FAQs

What does "she was distraught" mean?

The phrase "she was distraught" means that she was extremely upset, agitated, and distressed, often due to a traumatic event or overwhelming emotions.

What can I say instead of "she was distraught"?

You can use alternatives like "she was devastated", "she was heartbroken", or "she was inconsolable" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "she was distraught"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "she was distraught". It follows the standard subject-verb-adjective structure.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "she was distraught"?

It is appropriate to use the phrase "she was distraught" when describing someone who is experiencing a high level of emotional distress, typically in response to a negative event or situation.