this is very distressing

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"This is very distressing," she said.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This loss is very distressing.

The Guardian

The help seeking behavior of our population as demonstrated by this study is very distressing.

BMC Psychiatry

"Zero tolerance has barely been enacted, and it has been very sporadically enforced," Mr. Clohessy said, "so the notion that we ought to rethink it at this early juncture is very distressing".

The New York Times

"It is very distressing that children should be expected to live like this in modern 21st century Europe," he said.

The Guardian

"It is very distressing for my granddaughter and my daughter.

Independent

The animals demand handouts which is very distressing.

The New Yorker

"The fact that he's not able to conduct that, I know is very distressing".

The New York Times - Arts

"It is very distressing as we recover more bodies day after day," said police spokesman Hitoshi Sugawara.

The Guardian

Hearing voices is an experience that is very distressing for many people.

The Guardian

It is very distressing, because people come here for pleasure and when something like this happens it hurts everyone involved.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "this is very distressing" with a clear and concise explanation of why the situation is causing distress, providing context for your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "this is very distressing" too frequently, as it can lose its impact. Ensure your tone matches the gravity of the situation to avoid appearing insincere or dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is very distressing" functions as an expressive statement, conveying a speaker's or writer's sense of discomfort, sorrow, or concern about a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is very distressing" is a commonly used phrase to express concern, sorrow, or anxiety about a situation. Ludwig AI validates its proper grammatical structure and general usability in written English. It's found most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, ensure your tone is genuine and matches the gravity of the situation. Alternatives such as "this is deeply troubling" or "this is extremely upsetting" can provide nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

This is deeply troubling

Replaces "distressing" with "troubling", implying a cause for concern.

This is extremely upsetting

Substitutes "distressing" with "upsetting", emphasizing emotional disturbance.

This is highly concerning

Emphasizes the worrisome nature of the situation.

This is remarkably disturbing

Replaces "distressing" with "disturbing", indicating a more significant level of unease.

This situation is very alarming

Focuses on the alarming aspect of the situation, suggesting potential danger.

This is a grave matter

Highlights the seriousness and importance of the issue.

This news is deeply disheartening

Emphasizes the discouraging effect of the news.

This development is profoundly unsettling

Focuses on the unsettling nature of a new development.

I find this extremely worrying

Shifts the focus to personal worry and concern.

This is a source of great anxiety

Highlights the anxiety-inducing nature of the subject.

FAQs

What does "this is very distressing" mean?

It expresses strong feelings of discomfort, sorrow, or anxiety about something that is happening.

How to use "this is very distressing" in a sentence?

You can use it to express your reaction to bad news or a troubling situation. For example, "Hearing about the layoffs, this is very distressing to all the employees."

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

You can use alternatives like "this is deeply troubling", "this is extremely upsetting", or "this is highly concerning" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "this is very distressing" in formal communication?

Yes, it's appropriate in formal communication, but consider the context. In some cases, a more formal alternative like "this is highly concerning" might be preferable.