to be disturbed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be disturbed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a state of being upset, troubled, or unsettled by something. Example: "She seemed to be disturbed by the news of the accident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Cohen doesn't like to be disturbed.

The New York Times

The lawn was not to be disturbed.

The New York Times

Europe does not want to be disturbed.

The Guardian

This, alone, is reason to be disturbed.

The Guardian - Opinion

She doesn't want to be disturbed".

The New Yorker

The professor was never to be disturbed in the afternoon.

The Guardian

"They don't like their ancestors to be disturbed".

The Guardian - Travel

It was ridiculous to be disturbed by them.

The New Yorker

"I'd like you to be disturbed more than anything".

The Guardian - Arts

"She's asked not to be disturbed," Mr. Gross said.

The New York Times

Wouldn't you wish to be disturbed, in such circumstances?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be disturbed" when you want to express that someone or something is being interrupted, bothered, or unsettled, either physically or emotionally. It is often used in contexts where peace or tranquility is being disrupted.

Common error

Avoid using "disturbed" as a direct action verb when you mean 'to disrupt'. "To be disturbed" is passive; ensure the subject is receiving the action, not performing it. For example, instead of saying 'The noise disturbed me' consider saying 'I was disturbed by the noise'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be disturbed" functions primarily as a passive infinitive, often indicating a state of being interrupted, bothered, or emotionally unsettled by an external force or situation. Ludwig confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be disturbed" is a versatile passive infinitive used to describe a state of interruption, botheration, or emotional unease. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. While generally neutral, its formality can shift depending on the specific context. When writing, remember to use "to be disturbed" to accurately reflect the passive recipient of an action. Consider alternatives like "to be troubled" or "to be upset" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be troubled

Focuses more on internal worry or concern rather than an external disruption.

to be upset

Implies a stronger emotional reaction, suggesting distress or unhappiness.

to be agitated

Suggests a state of heightened nervousness or restlessness.

to be unsettled

Emphasizes a lack of stability or peace of mind.

to be disrupted

Highlights the interruption of a normal course or process.

to be bothered

Indicates a feeling of annoyance or mild irritation.

to be disquieted

Suggests a loss of inner peace or tranquility.

to be perturbed

Indicates slight anxiety or unease.

to be alarmed

Implies a sense of fear or concern about potential danger.

to be discombobulated

Describes a state of confusion or disorientation.

FAQs

How can I use "to be disturbed" in a sentence?

You can use "to be disturbed" to indicate that someone or something is being interrupted or bothered. For instance, "She doesn't want "to be disturbed" while she's working", or "The peace needs "to be disturbed" in order for our voice to be heard".

What are some alternatives to "to be disturbed"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "to be troubled", "to be upset", or "to be bothered". Each carries a slightly different connotation.

Is it correct to say "I am disturbed by" or "I am disturbing to"?

The correct phrase is "I am disturbed by", which means something is causing you to feel upset or uneasy. "I am disturbing to" would imply that you are the one causing disturbance to others, which is a different meaning.

What's the difference between "to be disturbed" and "to be disruptive"?

"To be disturbed" refers to the state of being bothered or interrupted, while "to be disruptive" refers to the act of causing disturbance or interruption. For example, "I don't want "to be disturbed"" versus "His behavior was "to be disruptive"".