a constant torment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a constant torment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or feeling that is persistently painful or distressing. Example: "Living with chronic pain can feel like a constant torment that never lets up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Living without peace is a constant torment," he said during mass, against the backdrop of a chubby baby Jesus wearing a Palestinian kiffaya, or scarf, in place of swaddling.

The Economist

Yet while Gott sees him as a "rootless cosmopolitan in the European tradition - more at home in London or Paris or Barcelona", Vargas Llosa calls Peru a "constant torment", his relationship to it "more adulterous than conjugal, full of suspicion, passion and rages".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He's a martyr who seems to be in constant torment.

The New Yorker

Your life as a non-smoker will be healthier and hopefully more enjoyable without the constant torment of being told not to smoke.

WikiHow

As she grew, though, she screamed in constant torment.

The New Yorker

"We can't continue to put him through this constant torment forever," said Mr. Franz.

The New York Times - Arts

I desperately wanted to be healthy and live and eat without constant torment, I didn't want to deal with hunger pangs but equally, I hated the pangs of guilt I felt every time I tried to fight those intense urges to starve or exercise or puke.

Independent

It's living in constant torment". — Tanya C. What you could say instead: "I'm always here for you". — submitted by Amy W. "Maybe I can't drink due to my meds or my mental health issues?

HuffPost

In this goalfest Frank Lampard plundered four and Florent Malouda was a constant source of torment.

The Guardian - Sport

She had a functional view of the marriage and had four children by other men, a constant source of torment to her prissy Swiss mother.In this section Rough and unready Thinking big Organ failure A tempest in petticoats Waves of fortune A man of all seasons ReprintsMaria Fairweather's biography is rich in details and anecdotes about her subject.

The Economist

The issue attracted national attention in 2009 when an inquest found that police had failed Pilkington, who killed herself and her severely disabled teenage daughter in a burning car after the family endured years of near-constant torment from local youths.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as "a constant torment", ensure that the context clearly establishes the source and nature of the suffering to maximize the impact on the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a constant torment" to describe minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations involving genuine and significant distress to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a constant torment" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as a subject complement or object, describing a state or condition of persistent suffering. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase often appears after linking verbs to characterize a subject's experience.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a constant torment" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase to describe a persistent and intense form of suffering. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct. While relatively rare in occurrence, it finds use primarily in news and media contexts. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, communicating significant distress. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants its intensity to avoid overexaggeration. Semantically related alternatives include "perpetual agony" and "unrelenting suffering".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Perpetual agony

Replaces "constant torment" with more intense synonyms for suffering.

Unrelenting suffering

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the suffering.

Never-ending pain

Focuses on the lack of cessation of the pain.

Continuous affliction

Uses a more formal term, "affliction", to describe the suffering.

Ongoing misery

Highlights the state of unhappiness and distress.

Persistent distress

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of the torment.

Ceaseless anguish

Replaces "torment" with a stronger word, "anguish".

Endless grief

Focuses on the sorrowful aspect of the experience.

Incessant irritation

Refers to a milder, but still continuous, form of annoyance.

Chronic source of vexation

Describes something that is a continuous cause of annoyance or frustration.

FAQs

How can I use "a constant torment" in a sentence?

You can use "a constant torment" to describe something that causes continuous suffering or distress. For example, "Living with chronic pain can be a constant torment".

What are some alternatives to "a constant torment"?

Some alternatives include "perpetual agony", "unrelenting suffering", or "never-ending pain", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a constant torment" a formal or informal phrase?

"A constant torment" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more appropriate for serious or dramatic situations rather than casual conversation.

What is the difference between "a constant torment" and "a continual torment"?

While both phrases describe ongoing suffering, "a constant torment" implies a more intense and relentless experience than "a continual torment". "Constant" suggests an unbroken, unwavering source of distress, while "continual" allows for occasional pauses or variations in intensity.