this distressing situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this distressing situation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a troubling or upsetting circumstance that requires attention or action. Example: "We must address this distressing situation before it escalates further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In order not to think about this distressing situation I thought about the palace.

The New Yorker

"We have been talking to senior members of the party about how LDW can contribute to resolving this distressing situation.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The chair of one board described the distressing situation for one elderly man and prison staff charged with his care: An 80-year-old confused man [in this prison] is unable to look after himself.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Holy See, above all, would like to convey full solidarity with the bishops of the United States in their firm condemnation of sexual misdeeds against minors and is deeply concerned about the distressing situation that has arisen in recent months in the church in the United States.

The New York Times

Dr Andrew Catto, the medical director of Heart of England NHS foundation trust said: "We are very sorry that this incredibly distressing situation has happened".

The Guardian

This was a distressing situation for our family and we are happy that this case has concluded and that justice has been done.

The Guardian - Music

It can be seen that, not versed in the art of pretending, I have exposed the distressing situations that burdened my feelings as I absorbed the Daedalus of laws and decrees which in a large number of cases restricted the rights of workers, or, if they recognized them, it would be to kill the last trace of the hope of justice.

Latin American Economic Review

One example is: It can be seen that, not versed in the art of pretending, I have exposed the distressing situations that burdened my feelings as I absorbed the Daedalus of laws and decrees which in a large number of cases restricted the rights of workers, or, if they recognized them, it would be to kill the last trace of the hope of justice.

Latin American Economic Review

Until recently, the workforce caring for the graveyards have not only been under-informed and ill-equipped to deal with the potential dangers, but the conditions are often so horrendous that these distressing situations have been hushed and dealt with poorly.

Vice

"This is a very distressing situation but it is not a situation, sadly, that was not anticipated.

The Guardian

It really makes a distressing situation even more upsetting and hard to deal with.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this distressing situation", ensure the context clearly establishes what 'this' refers to. Avoid ambiguity by providing sufficient background information.

Common error

While "this distressing situation" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or dramatic in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "this tough spot" or "this problem" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this distressing situation" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a specific, identified circumstance that is causing emotional upset or trouble. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this distressing situation" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a troubling or upsetting circumstance. Ludwig confirms this assessment. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and formality level, opting for simpler alternatives in casual settings. The phrase's primary function is to express concern and prompt action, making it a valuable tool in both formal and informal communication. You can use alternatives like "this troubling situation", "this upsetting situation", or "this unfortunate circumstance" depending on the context. Ludwig's examples also highlight its use in varied sources from News & Media to Science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this troubling situation

Replaces 'distressing' with 'troubling', indicating a cause for concern.

this upsetting situation

Replaces 'distressing' with 'upsetting', emphasizing the emotional impact.

this unfortunate circumstance

Shifts from 'situation' to 'circumstance', highlighting the unfavorable nature of events.

this regrettable state of affairs

Uses a more formal tone, emphasizing the unwelcome nature of the situation.

this painful predicament

Substitutes 'situation' with 'predicament', stressing the difficulty and unpleasantness.

this difficult scenario

Replaces 'distressing' with 'difficult' and 'situation' with 'scenario', focusing on the challenges involved.

this challenging ordeal

Uses 'challenging' to describe the situation and 'ordeal' to emphasize its severity.

this grave crisis

Emphasizes the seriousness and potential danger of the situation.

this dire circumstance

Highlights the urgency and severity of the situation.

this tough spot

Uses informal language to describe a difficult situation.

FAQs

How can I use "this distressing situation" in a sentence?

You can use "this distressing situation" to refer to a problematic scenario, such as, "We must address "this distressing situation" before it escalates further."

What can I say instead of "this distressing situation"?

You can use alternatives like "this troubling situation", "this upsetting situation", or "this unfortunate circumstance" depending on the context.

Is "this distressing situation" formal or informal?

"This distressing situation" is generally considered to be a neutral to formal expression. Simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in informal settings.

What's the difference between "this distressing situation" and "this difficult situation"?

While both phrases describe a problem, "this distressing situation" emphasizes the emotional impact and unpleasantness of the circumstance, whereas "this difficult situation" focuses on the challenges and obstacles involved.