Suffer from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Suffer from" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe experiencing a negative condition, illness, or problem. Example: "Many people suffer from anxiety during stressful situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both suffer from neglect.

The Economist

We suffer from this.

The New York Times

Both suffer from unhealthy air.

The New York Times

They suffer from culture-gravity.

The New Yorker

"Actors suffer from it, too.

Independent

You suffer from it, too?

The New Yorker

I suffer from Francophilia.

The Guardian - Film

"I suffer from PTSD.

The Guardian - Music

I suffer from depression.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All suffer from oiliness.

The New York Times

People suffer from malaria.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms such as "experience" or "be afflicted by" when appropriate to vary your language and provide nuanced meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "suffer from" unnecessarily in situations where a simpler verb like "have" or "experience" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly dramatic or repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suffer from" functions as a verb phrase that indicates the experience of a negative state, condition, or ailment. It is used to express that someone or something is negatively affected by a particular problem. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "suffer from" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the experience of a negative condition, illness, or problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a reliable choice for clearly indicating that someone or something is negatively affected. While common across various contexts, it particularly thrives in news, formal business, and scientific writing. When crafting your narrative, feel free to explore alternatives like "experience" or "be afflicted with" to enrich your language and tailor the impact to your intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be afflicted with

Emphasizes the negative impact and involuntary nature of the condition.

Struggle with

Suggests an ongoing effort to cope with the condition.

Be troubled by

Indicates a state of worry or distress caused by the condition.

Experience

A more general term for undergoing something, but can lack the negative connotation of "suffer from".

Fall victim to

Implies being harmed or negatively affected by something.

Be burdened by

Highlights the weight and oppressiveness of the condition.

Be a casualty of

Suggests that something negative is an unavoidable consequence of something else.

Contract

Specifically refers to acquiring a disease or illness.

Endure

Highlights the act of tolerating something difficult or painful.

Labor under

Emphasizes the difficulty and persistence of the adverse condition.

FAQs

How do I use "suffer from" in a sentence?

Use "suffer from" to describe the experience of a negative condition or illness. For example, "She "suffers from" chronic headaches."

What can I say instead of "suffer from"?

You can use alternatives like "experience", "be afflicted with", or "struggle with" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "suffer from" or "have" a condition?

"Suffer from" emphasizes the negative impact of the condition, while "have" is more neutral. Choose the phrasing that best reflects the intended meaning.

Which is more formal, "suffer from" or "struggle with"?

"Suffer from" is generally considered more formal than "struggle with". Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when making your choice.