utterly distraught

USAGE SUMMARY

'utterly distraught' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize strong feelings of distress and emotional turmoil. For example, "The news of her father's sudden death left her feeling utterly distraught."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"We are all utterly distraught following her senseless, brutal murder".

Independent

Sanders said he is "utterly distraught about the pain I have caused my family".

Independent

I am utterly distraught about the pain I have caused my family.

The Guardian - Film

He seems utterly distraught, swearing - or rather, not swearing - "I didn't cuss".

The Guardian - Music

Also taking things personally is Elizabeth – utterly distraught when Claudia tells her of the general's death.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A member of the sales staff said he was utterly distraught by the dodges people used in trying to get a carton of cigarettes.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

He is absolutely distraught.

BBC

It's heartbreaking, and as an American millennial who loves and accepts people of all nationalities, circumstance, color and creed, I am utterly ashamed at the distraught and unrest the candidate who I once defended with a passion has caused so many Americans.

Huffington Post

How distraught?

The New York Times

(Distraught) "What?

The New York Times

Laurie Walker is distraught.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "utterly distraught", ensure the context clearly establishes the cause of the distress to maximize impact and avoid ambiguity. Use this phrase to highlight strong feelings of sadness or disappointment resulting from significant events.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly distraught" to describe minor inconveniences or trivial setbacks. This phrase is best reserved for situations involving genuine emotional pain or significant loss; overusing it can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly distraught" functions as an adjective phrase where "utterly" intensifies the adjective "distraught". This construction serves to emphasize the extreme emotional state of the subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utterly distraught" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express intense emotional distress. As Ludwig AI highlights, its usability is confirmed by its presence in numerous reliable sources. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase serves to convey deep sorrow and elicit empathy. While it's appropriate for formal writing, it should be reserved for situations that warrant such a strong expression of emotion. Consider alternatives like "completely devastated" or "terribly distressed" depending on the context and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terribly distressed

This alternative is similar in meaning but places more emphasis on the stressful and anxious aspects of emotional upset.

completely devastated

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of being overwhelmed and ruined by distress, suggesting a deeper emotional impact than "utterly distraught".

beside oneself with grief

This phrase describes a state of extreme distress and agitation caused by sorrow, indicating a loss of composure. It's more dramatic than "utterly distraught".

totally heartbroken

This phrase focuses on the feeling of profound sadness and grief, specifically related to loss or disappointment. It's more specific than "utterly distraught".

absolutely crushed

This option suggests a feeling of being defeated and overwhelmed by sorrow, highlighting the intensity of the negative emotions experienced, similar to "utterly distraught" but with a sense of defeat.

overcome with despair

Focuses on the feeling of hopelessness and loss of courage. "Utterly distraught" is a more general emotion.

inconsolably sad

This phrase implies a deep and persistent sadness that cannot be easily comforted, emphasizing the duration and intensity of the sorrow.

deeply grieved

This option emphasizes the experience of mourning and sorrow, particularly in response to a loss. It's more formal and somber than "utterly distraught".

extremely upset

A more general phrase indicating emotional distress, it lacks the intensity and depth conveyed by "utterly distraught".

profoundly affected

This implies a significant emotional impact, but may not necessarily indicate distress. It is a broader term than "utterly distraught".

FAQs

How can I use "utterly distraught" in a sentence?

You can use "utterly distraught" to describe someone experiencing extreme emotional distress, such as "She was "utterly distraught" after hearing the news" or "The family was "utterly distraught" by the loss".

What are some alternatives to "utterly distraught"?

Alternatives to "utterly distraught" include "completely devastated", "totally heartbroken", or "terribly distressed", each carrying slightly different connotations of emotional pain and sorrow.

Is it appropriate to use "utterly distraught" in formal writing?

Yes, "utterly distraught" is appropriate for formal writing when describing significant emotional distress. However, consider the audience and context; more formal alternatives like "deeply grieved" might be preferable in certain situations.

What distinguishes "utterly distraught" from "slightly upset"?

"Utterly distraught" signifies a state of extreme emotional turmoil and distress, while "slightly upset" indicates a mild degree of annoyance or disappointment. The former suggests a significant emotional impact, whereas the latter implies a minor emotional reaction.