this is distressing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is distressing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express concern or discomfort about a situation or information that is troubling or upsetting. Example: "After hearing the news about the accident, I must say, this is distressing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

But this is distressing.

The New York Times

This is distressing.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is distressing to them.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This is distressing because it is simply not true," Cooper wrote.

The Guardian - Opinion

While this is distressing, it's information we look for in the Times, not in the theatre.

The New Yorker

This is distressing for them and their families, and is why we expressed our sympathy to Lord Bramall".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

This was distressing as people believed it.

The Guardian

This was distressing to both women and staff.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Somehow, this reaction is distressing to Bobby.

The New Yorker

This fact is distressing because small town hospitals serve 51 million Americans.

Procedia CIRP

It is distressing that this effort fails to generate enthusiastic support among all high officials.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this is distressing" in formal writing, follow it with a clear explanation of why the situation is concerning. This provides context and strengthens your point.

Common error

Avoid using "this is distressing" when a stronger emotional expression is warranted. In situations involving severe trauma or grief, phrases like "this is devastating" or "this is heartbreaking" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is distressing" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing a subjective feeling of concern or unease. As seen in Ludwig, it directly conveys the speaker's reaction to a particular situation or piece of information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is distressing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey worry or unease. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a wide range of contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. While "this is distressing" effectively communicates concern, it's important to consider the emotional weight of the situation and choose a more emphatic phrase if necessary. Alternatives such as "this is upsetting" or "this is troubling" can also be used to express similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is upsetting

Replaces "distressing" with a more common synonym, "upsetting".

this is troubling

Substitutes "distressing" with "troubling", implying something that causes worry.

this is concerning

Uses "concerning" instead of "distressing", suggesting something that raises concerns.

this is worrying

Replaces "distressing" with "worrying", indicating a cause for anxiety.

this is alarming

Substitutes "distressing" with "alarming", conveying a sense of urgency and potential danger.

this is disheartening

Uses "disheartening" instead of "distressing", emphasizing a loss of morale or hope.

this is regrettable

Replaces "distressing" with "regrettable", highlighting something unfortunate or undesirable.

this is unfortunate

Substitutes "distressing" with "unfortunate", indicating something unfavorable or unlucky.

this is painful

Uses "painful" instead of "distressing", emphasizing emotional or psychological suffering.

this is grievous

Replaces "distressing" with "grievous", conveying a sense of deep sorrow or suffering.

FAQs

What does "this is distressing" mean?

The phrase "this is distressing" expresses that something is causing worry, anxiety, or emotional discomfort. It acknowledges that a situation or piece of information is troubling or upsetting.

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

You can use "this is distressing" to express concern about various situations. For example, "Hearing about the layoffs "this is distressing" news for the employees and their families."

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

You can use alternatives like "this is upsetting", "this is troubling", or "this is concerning" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "this is distressing"?

It is appropriate to use "this is distressing" when you want to express a sense of unease or worry about a situation without being overly dramatic. It's suitable for acknowledging troubling news or events in a relatively calm and composed manner.