a hurt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hurt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an injury or emotional pain in a general sense. Example: "After the breakup, she felt a deep hurt that lingered for months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

What is a hurt locker?

The New Yorker

He is a hurt and truculent figure.

Independent

Somebody taken ill, a hurt animal?

The Guardian

His voice rises to a hurt squeak.

The Guardian - Film

"But it's going to put a hurt on us".

The New York Times

JIMMY (in a hurt tone): Oh, I don't know.

The New Yorker

Nagging injury: A hurt shoulder from playing high-school volleyball.

The New York Times - Magazine

I think it's a hurt inside... maybe my emotional state".

The Guardian - Music

There is a hurt there that needs reassuring.

The New York Times

"Without a hurt the heart is hollow" sums it up.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's not a hurt-your-feelings thing.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a hurt", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning. While versatile, it's important to choose the most precise term for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a hurt" excessively in formal or academic writing. More precise terms like "an injury", "a pain", or "damage" often provide greater clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a hurt" is as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition, indicating a state of being injured or emotionally wounded. Examples from Ludwig show it modifying other nouns, as in "a hurt ankle" or expressing an internal feeling, like "a hurt inside". Ludwig AI confirms that this is proper English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a hurt" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes a state of pain or injury, both physical and emotional. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows it to function effectively in various contexts, although it's particularly common in news and media. While generally neutral in register, careful consideration should be given to choosing more precise terminology in highly formal writing. The analysis of its function, purpose, and usage patterns reveals its effectiveness in communicating states of distress, making it a valuable phrase for writers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an injury

Focuses specifically on physical damage or harm.

a pain

Emphasizes the sensation of suffering, whether physical or emotional.

a wound

Highlights a specific instance of damage, often physical but can be emotional.

a discomfort

Refers to a mild to moderate sensation of unease or pain.

a sore spot

Implies a sensitive area, either physically or emotionally.

a grievance

Refers to a real or imagined wrong or other cause for complaint or protest, especially unfair treatment.

an ache

Describes a dull or persistent pain.

a trauma

Emphasizes a deeply distressing or disturbing experience.

a strain

Indicates excessive demands on strength or resources.

an affliction

Points to a cause of pain or harm.

FAQs

How can I use "a hurt" in a sentence?

You can use "a hurt" to describe physical pain, as in "He had "a hurt leg"", or emotional pain, as in "She felt "a hurt inside" after the argument".

What are some alternatives to "a hurt"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "an injury" (for physical harm), "a pain" (for physical or emotional suffering), or "a wound" (for a specific instance of damage).

Is it grammatically correct to say "a hurt"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Hurt" can function as a noun, and using the indefinite article "a" is appropriate when referring to a general instance of pain or injury.

What is the difference between "a hurt" and "harm"?

"Hurt" often implies a feeling of pain or distress, while "harm" refers more broadly to damage or injury. You might say "He experienced "a hurt" after the rejection", but "The accident caused significant harm to the vehicle".