a torment for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a torment for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes suffering or distress to someone or something. Example: "The constant noise from the construction site was a torment for the residents living nearby."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Three minutes later Hart demonstrated why the goalkeeping position remains such a torment for Capello.

Independent

Le Monde described the incident as a "torment" for les Bleus.

Independent

Winstone, enraged and lachrymose, is often moving in his bafflement over rejection, a torment for which there is no solace.

The New Yorker

A trip to the dentist would be a torment for an ape that couldn't be made to understand the purpose and duration of the procedure.

The New York Times - Magazine

When he had such unique access to the stars, it must have been a torment for Munn to waste his time raiding the cuttings libraries to write formulaic titles like Hollywood Rogues.

The Guardian - Books

The passing of time is also a torment for the survivors – not just Belhaj and Saadi but many others tortured as part of global counter-terrorism operations in which the UK was involved.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

This would be another test and a potential torment for Moeen, who has been short of wickets this summer.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a melancholic picture of private angst that Coe painted for us at the weekend: of how the exposure of his International Association of Athletics Federations' institutional corruption had been a personal torment for him, not least when, as he said, "I had supper the other night with my old training partners from Loughborough", and, as he told it, had looked into their faces across the table.

Independent

Airplane travel reserves a special torment for contact lens wearers: red, scratchy, parched eyes.

Forbes

The fates could never have devised a more cruel torment for a man who prided himself on his memory, who could without fail dredge up the most apt quotation from his prodigious store of reading.

The Guardian

"Oh God, what a torment that was for him!" Yet no one ever disputed the outcome: Mr. Johnson was crucial in assuring that the Democrats were victorious.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a torment for", consider the specific type of suffering or distress you want to convey and choose the most appropriate synonym for added nuance. For example, "a source of anguish" focuses on emotional distress, while "a burden" highlights responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "a torment for" in situations where you intend to express a positive or enjoyable experience. This phrase is strictly associated with negative connotations of suffering and distress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a torment for" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe something that causes suffering or distress. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from personal angst to broader societal issues. The AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a torment for" effectively conveys that something is a source of suffering or distress. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase. While not the most common expression, its specific meaning and emotional weight make it suitable in various contexts, particularly within news and media. Remembering its negative connotation is crucial to avoid misuse, and synonyms like "a source of suffering for" or "a cause of anguish for" can provide alternative options to express related but subtly different meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a source of suffering for

Emphasizes the origin or cause of the suffering.

a cause of anguish for

Focuses on the mental or emotional distress caused.

a hardship for

Highlights the difficult or challenging nature of the situation.

a trial for

Implies a test or ordeal that someone must endure.

a misery for

Emphasizes the unhappiness and distress experienced.

a burden for

Highlights the weight or responsibility that something imposes.

an ordeal for

Suggests a painful or prolonged experience.

a tribulation for

Implies a cause of great trouble or suffering.

a vexation for

Focuses on the annoyance or irritation caused.

a plague for

Suggests a widespread or persistent problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "a torment for" to describe something that causes suffering or distress, such as: "The constant noise was "a torment for" the neighbors".

What can I say instead of "a torment for"?

You can use alternatives like "a source of suffering for", "a cause of anguish for", or "a hardship for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "a torment for" to describe a pleasurable experience?

No, "a torment for" is specifically used to describe something negative that causes suffering, distress, or anguish.

What's the difference between "a torment for" and "a challenge for"?

"A torment for" describes something that causes significant suffering or distress, while "a challenge for" describes something that requires effort or skill to overcome. The former is negative, while the latter is more neutral and often implies potential growth or improvement.