a source of pain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a source of pain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes emotional or physical suffering. Example: "The loss of her beloved pet became a source of pain that she struggled to overcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is a source of pain".

The New York Times

Each one is a life lost, a source of pain to friends and family.

The New York Times

The absence of frank autobiography is a source of pain to romantics.

The Guardian - Books

Families are shown to be a source of pain and embarrassment.

The Guardian - Opinion

I don't want to be a source of pain to anyone.

The New York Times

But back then, his academic failures were a source of pain.

The New York Times

But here unfortunately it is a source of pain, given that most of the paintings are clumsily derivative.

The New York Times

That the U.S. Army is unwilling to do such a thing is a source of pain for former subjects.

The New Yorker

The well-born white officers who wished themselves upon his expeditions were usually a source of pain and scandal.

The New York Times - Books

We should build bridges through basketball, not divide our community and serve as a source of pain.

The Guardian

In addition too many patients complaining of prominent hardware as a source of pain post-fixation.

Injury

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a source of pain", ensure the context clearly identifies what is causing the pain, whether it's physical, emotional, or psychological.

Common error

Avoid using "a source of pain" in vague contexts. Always specify what the source is and the nature of the pain it causes to maintain clarity and impact. For example, instead of saying "the situation was a source of pain", specify "the constant uncertainty about his job security was a source of pain and anxiety".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a source of pain" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the origin or cause of suffering, as Ludwig AI suggests. The phrase typically ascribes a property or characteristic to a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

29%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a source of pain" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe something causing distress, whether physical or emotional. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for a variety of contexts. While ubiquitous, it's best employed with specific details to maximize clarity and impact. Consider related phrases like "a cause of suffering" or "a point of anguish" for nuanced expression. Used thoughtfully, "a source of pain" can effectively convey the origin of suffering in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cause of suffering

Replaces "source" with "cause", emphasizing the origin of the suffering.

a reason for discomfort

Substitutes "pain" with "discomfort", softening the intensity of the suffering.

a point of anguish

Replaces "source of pain" with a more intense expression of distress.

a root of misery

Emphasizes the deep-seated origin of the unhappiness or suffering.

an origin of distress

Focuses on the beginning or cause of the emotional or mental suffering.

a wellspring of sorrow

Uses a metaphor to describe the continuous flow of sadness.

a font of grief

Similar to "wellspring of sorrow", but uses "grief" for a more profound sense of loss.

a trigger for agony

Highlights the event or situation that initiates extreme physical or mental suffering.

a generator of torment

Implies ongoing and severe suffering.

an instigator of hurt

Focuses on the active role of something causing emotional or physical harm.

FAQs

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

You can use "a source of pain" to describe something that causes emotional or physical suffering. For example, "The constant criticism was "a source of pain" for her".

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

Alternatives include "a cause of suffering", "a reason for discomfort", or "a point of anguish" depending on the intensity and context.

Is it correct to say "a source for pain" instead of "a source of pain"?

While "a source for pain" might be understood, ""a source of pain"" is the idiomatic and grammatically correct expression to use.

Can "a source of pain" refer to both physical and emotional suffering?

Yes, ""a source of pain"" can be used to describe both physical discomfort, like "Arthritis was a source of pain", and emotional distress, such as "The betrayal was a source of pain".