a jolt of pain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a jolt of pain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an abrupt, intense sensation of pain. An example sentence is: "I felt a jolt of pain when I hit my head on the desk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In December at a World Cup event at Winterberg, Germany, he felt a jolt of pain at the start.

The New York Times - Sports

She was also being given sedatives to help her rest, but one day, she flung herself out of bed, ripping out tubes, because of a jolt of pain in her bowel.

The New York Times - Health

And next to a shot of cactus spines is the limpid "Love Is a Loaded Taser": Love is a loaded taser Pointed at my heart; A finger falters…squeezes…fires A jolt of pain and joy on wires, To spear me with its razor Sharpened dart.

The New Yorker

He braced himself for a jolt of pain from his bite wound — he expected it to be rubbed raw when he scrambled under the train.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He got up, manipulated the joint and said he felt a jolt of "unbelievable pain" as his knee locked.

The New York Times - Sports

Moments later, I felt a jolt of shooting pain, followed by the sound of my doctor high-fiving the bearded man.

The New Yorker

Do we want to feel a jolt of searing pain when a character is stabbed or shot, and do we wish to double-up in agony when Jack Reacher is on the receiving end of a solid punch to the gut?

Huffington Post

When Dad's brother declares, "They said I was a fool to study Latin, but where are they now?," he's promptly quashed by Dad's answer -- "Probably at work". That's a snappy comeback, but it carries a little jolt of pain.

HuffPost

Sometimes, gently pinching your cheek with your teeth, or snapping a rubber band on your wrist can offer a quick jolt of pain that will keep you from laughing, as well.

WikiHow

When he slid into the worn seat indented with his impression from years of sitting in it, he felt a quick jolt of pain in his chest.

Huffington Post

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Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a jolt of pain" to vividly describe a sudden, unexpected, and sharp sensation of pain. This phrase is particularly effective in narrative writing to create a sense of immediacy.

Common error

Avoid using "a jolt of pain" in formal or technical writing where a more precise medical term might be more appropriate. Overusing figurative language can detract from clarity in these contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a jolt of pain" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as the object of a verb (e.g., "felt a jolt of pain"). Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature. Examples show it describing a sudden, intense sensation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a jolt of pain" is a grammatically sound and descriptively potent phrase used to depict a sudden and intense pain experience. Ludwig AI validates its usability. While it appears more frequently in news and media contexts, reflecting its capacity to vividly convey experiences, it is less common in formal or academic settings. When writing, remember that more precise medical terminology might be better suited in technical contexts. Consider alternative phrases like "a sudden pang of pain" or "a sharp stab of pain" for subtle variations in meaning. The phrase is a noun phrase that often functions as the object of a verb. Overall, the phrase aims to produce in the readers a strong sensory image of abruptness, intensity and sharpness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sudden pang of pain

Replaces "jolt" with "pang", implying a sharper, more localized sensation.

a sharp stab of pain

Uses "stab" to suggest a piercing, acute pain.

a wave of agony

Employs "wave" and "agony" to convey a more overwhelming and prolonged experience.

a flash of pain

Substitutes "jolt" with "flash", indicating a very brief, intense sensation.

a surge of pain

Replaces "jolt" with "surge", suggesting a sudden, powerful increase in pain.

a twinge of pain

Uses "twinge" to describe a slight, sudden pain.

a burst of pain

Replaces "jolt" with "burst", indicating a sudden and explosive onset of pain.

a stab of agony

Combines the sharpness of a "stab" with the intensity of "agony".

a pang of suffering

Substitutes "pain" with "suffering", suggesting a deeper emotional component.

a wave of discomfort

Replaces "pain" with "discomfort", lessening the intensity of the sensation.

FAQs

How can I use "a jolt of pain" in a sentence?

You can use "a jolt of pain" to describe a sudden, sharp pain. For example, "I felt "a jolt of pain" in my knee when I twisted it".

What are some alternatives to "a jolt of pain"?

Some alternatives include "a sudden pang of pain", "a sharp stab of pain", or "a flash of pain", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a jolt of pain" or "a wave of pain"?

"A jolt of pain" implies a sudden, sharp, and brief sensation, while "a wave of pain" suggests a pain that rises and falls in intensity over time. Choose the phrase that best fits the context of the experience you are describing.

What does it mean to feel "a jolt of pain"?

Feeling "a jolt of pain" signifies experiencing a sudden and intense sensation of pain, often unexpected and sharp. It can be used to describe both physical and, metaphorically, emotional pain.