very disturbing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very disturbing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes significant discomfort, anxiety, or distress. Example: "The documentary presented very disturbing images of the aftermath of the disaster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Very disturbing viewing.

Independent

"It's very disturbing".

The New York Times

Impressive yet very disturbing.

Independent

And this is very disturbing.

The New Yorker

It's all just very disturbing".

The New York Times

"It's just very disturbing.

The New York Times

This is very disturbing.

The Guardian - Arts

"They were very disturbing results".

The New York Times - Science

These are very disturbing trends.

The New York Times

I found it very disturbing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is very, very disturbing.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very disturbing", consider the specific emotion you want to convey. Alternatives like "deeply unsettling" or "highly troubling" might offer greater precision.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "very" to intensify adjectives. Stronger adjectives like "horrifying", "appalling", or "shocking" can provide more impactful descriptions than "very disturbing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very disturbing" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It intensifies the adjective "disturbing", indicating a high degree of unease, anxiety, or moral outrage. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, showcased in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very disturbing" is a common and grammatically sound way to express significant unease or distress. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous real-world examples. While versatile, it's important to consider stronger or more precise alternatives like "deeply unsettling" or "highly troubling" for nuanced writing. When used, it typically aims to highlight troubling aspects found in various contexts and in various sources, but the best practice is to avoid overuse and pick the most precise adjective, choosing a different intensifier.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeply unsettling

Emphasizes the profound unease caused by something.

highly troubling

Focuses on the worrisome aspects of a situation.

extremely alarming

Highlights the potential danger or threat.

profoundly concerning

Stresses the gravity and significance of the issue.

exceptionally disquieting

Underscores the disruption of peace and tranquility.

seriously worrisome

Indicates a cause for significant anxiety and concern.

remarkably perturbing

Draws attention to the mental agitation caused.

genuinely alarming

Implies a real and authentic sense of danger.

quite distressing

Emphasizes the emotional suffering caused by something.

intensely unsettling

Highlights the strength of the discomforting feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "very disturbing" in a sentence?

You can use "very disturbing" to describe something that causes significant unease or distress. For example, "The news report contained "very disturbing" details about the incident".

What can I say instead of "very disturbing"?

You can use alternatives like "deeply unsettling", "highly troubling", or "extremely alarming" depending on the context.

Is "very disturbing" formal or informal?

"Very disturbing" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but consider using more precise language in formal writing. Alternatives like "profoundly concerning" might be more appropriate.

What makes something "very disturbing"?

Something is "very disturbing" when it causes significant emotional distress, anxiety, or moral outrage. This could be due to violence, injustice, or a violation of social norms.