a bundle of pain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bundle of pain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, experience, or person that causes significant emotional or physical suffering. Example: "After the accident, he felt like he was carrying a bundle of pain that he couldn't shake off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Heather presented as a bundle of pain receptors.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

That passage will resonate for any player nearing the end of their career, with a body once in prime condition now a bundle of aches and pains that prefigures more intense physical suffering in later life.

The Guardian - Sport

Getting pills was a pain in the ass, but one Friday, my friend gained a bundle of pills.

Vice

Upon this withdrawal, the microscope's recording showed a bundle of neurons firing in the amygdala — specifically in the basolateral region — suggesting that these neurons were specifically responsible for the emotion of pain.

Stanford University

A bundle of stinking rags and flesh".

The New Yorker

I'm a bundle of nerves".

Independent

It's a bundle of neuroses.

The New York Times - Books

Henry is a bundle of tics.

The New York Times

He grabbed a bundle of books.

The New Yorker

Mr Ozawa is a bundle of contradictions.

The Economist

First, it is a bundle of technologies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bundle of pain" to vividly describe someone overwhelmed by physical or emotional suffering. It's particularly effective when emphasizing the concentrated and burdensome nature of the pain.

Common error

Avoid using "a bundle of pain" in situations where the suffering is minor or commonplace. Its intensity can sound melodramatic if not used judiciously. Consider less intense alternatives when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bundle of pain" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object, vividly describing a state of intense suffering. Ludwig highlights examples where it characterizes a person or situation dominated by pain.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a bundle of pain" is a noun phrase used to describe a state of intense suffering, whether physical or emotional. According to Ludwig, it serves to evoke empathy and highlight the severity of someone's distress. While grammatically correct, it's a relatively rare expression, primarily found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it's essential to consider the context and avoid overuse in less intense situations to prevent sounding melodramatic. Related phrases such as "a world of hurt" or "a heavy burden of suffering" can provide alternative ways to convey similar meanings. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and usable, serving as a powerful descriptor of overwhelming suffering.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a world of hurt

Emphasizes the extensiveness and pervasiveness of the pain.

a heavy burden of suffering

Highlights the weight and oppressiveness of the suffering.

an accumulation of anguish

Focuses on the gathering and intensity of emotional pain.

a concentrated source of misery

Presents the pain as originating from a single, intense point.

a wellspring of sorrow

Implies a continuous and abundant source of sadness.

a heart full of grief

Specifically refers to emotional pain and sadness.

a crushing weight of despair

Emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the pain and hopelessness.

an ocean of tears

Suggests a vast and seemingly endless amount of sadness and pain.

a life filled with hardship

Focuses on long-term difficulties and suffering.

an existence marked by suffering

Highlights the continuous presence of suffering throughout someone's life.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe someone as "a bundle of pain"?

Describing someone as "a bundle of pain" suggests they are overwhelmed by intense physical or emotional suffering. It implies that pain is a dominant aspect of their current state.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a bundle of pain"?

Use "a bundle of pain" when you want to emphasize the concentrated and overwhelming nature of someone's suffering. It's most effective when describing situations of significant distress.

What are some alternatives to saying "a bundle of pain"?

You can use alternatives like "a world of hurt", "a heavy burden of suffering", or "an accumulation of anguish", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a bundle of pain" a cliché?

While not a highly overused phrase, "a bundle of pain" can sound somewhat dramatic. Consider your audience and the context to ensure it doesn't come across as a cliché. Alternatives might offer a fresher perspective.