state of distress

USAGE SUMMARY

'state of distress' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to a difficult and anxious mental or emotional state that someone is in. For example: "James was in a state of distress after his interview went badly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Gordon, meanwhile, left the arena right away, in a state of distress.

The New Yorker

Upon learning of her lump, Betty phones Don in a state of distress.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Women panicked and in a severe state of distress, children crying.

The New York Times

People are often able to function reasonably well while in a high state of distress.

Stanford University

Hedren pushes him off and clambers out of the car in a state of distress.

Independent

Whitehouse said she was in an "extreme state of distress", incoherent and with her eyes rolling back into her head.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Jeans come in various states of distress, but the best are deep indigo without washing, whiskering or ravaging of any kind ($165).

The New York Times

Mr. Benson gives these songs an infrastructure: he sang on pitch, and played solidly and carefully while the band sonically imitated various states of distress.

The New York Times - Arts

"I work with children in extreme states of distress," said Rajni Sharma, 42, a child psychotherapist who works in Manchester and Leeds.

The Guardian

Pooh and chums are shown in various states of distress, nursing the hangovers from Hades after quaffing snide moonshine well into the early hours.

The Guardian

The Miami Heat had been this close before — within points, within seconds of victory — only to send everyone away in various states of distress.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about someone's emotional state, use "state of distress" to convey a sense of significant psychological or emotional turmoil. Ensure that the context clarifies the cause and nature of the distress for better understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "state of distress" to describe minor inconveniences or temporary setbacks. This phrase is best reserved for situations involving considerable emotional or psychological suffering to maintain its impact and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state of distress" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object to describe the condition someone or something is in. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "state of distress" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes a significant and often severe condition of emotional or psychological suffering. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely applicable in various contexts, including news, academia, and scientific writing. Its semantic alternatives, such as "anguished state" or "condition of suffering", offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings. While generally appropriate for both formal and informal use, it's advisable to reserve "state of distress" for situations involving considerable emotional or psychological suffering, as opposed to mere inconveniences, to maintain its impact and clarity. The phrase appears most commonly in News & Media and Science, reflecting its relevance in discussing impactful and serious events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anguished state

Specifically refers to a state of severe mental or emotional pain.

condition of despair

Emphasizes the loss of hope and feeling of helplessness.

condition of suffering

Focuses on the suffering aspect, highlighting the pain and discomfort involved.

crisis situation

Highlights the urgency and severity of the problem.

situation of hardship

Emphasizes the difficulty and adversity of the situation.

desperate straits

Indicates a situation where one is in dire need and facing extreme difficulties.

plight of agony

Highlights the intense mental or physical suffering.

time of adversity

Refers to a period marked by challenges, misfortune, or suffering.

troubled circumstances

Broadly describes a situation filled with problems or difficulties.

difficult predicament

Stresses the challenging and complex nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "state of distress" in a sentence?

You can use "state of distress" to describe someone experiencing significant emotional or psychological turmoil. For example: "After the accident, she was in a "state of distress" and needed immediate support."

What are some alternatives to "state of distress"?

Alternatives include phrases like "anguished state", "condition of suffering", or "crisis situation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "state of distress" formal or informal language?

"State of distress" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is often found in more serious or professional settings such as news reports, academic papers, or medical documentation.

What's the difference between "state of distress" and "state of anxiety"?

"State of distress" generally indicates a broader and more severe condition of emotional or psychological suffering than "state of anxiety". While anxiety can be a component of distress, the latter often encompasses a wider range of negative emotions and experiences.