ache all over

USAGE SUMMARY

'ache all over' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to describe a feeling of discomfort or pain that affects the whole body. For example, "I woke up this morning with an ache all over and had to call in sick."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

And I ache all over.

The New York Times - Magazine

She didn't have a fever, but the racking cough made her body ache all over.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I huffed and I puffed and I blew their house down, and now my head's hot and I ache all over".

The New Yorker

Yet it's hard, it seems, to "overcome" my preference for microbrewed beer, my dislike of movies in which things blow up and an adulthood working in jobs that don't cause me to ache all over (one of the questions).

The New York Times

Still, don't kid yourself you'll pay through the nose, you'll work, you'll sweat, and you'll ache all over.

Forbes

It was painful, and beautiful and cathartic and it made me ache all over.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Roethlisberger, who had missed the previous three games after having arthroscopic knee surgery, must have been aching all over again.

The New York Times

It took only a year to find out why he was always tired, his heart raced and he ached all over, why he became overheated easily and had terrible headaches almost every day.

The New York Times - Health

"I was exhausted and my bones ached all over".

The Guardian

By the time we reached the house, I was aching all over.

Independent

But now that the tension is gone my body aches all over".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific illness or condition, use "ache all over" to convey a general feeling of bodily discomfort, rather than pinpointing a localized area of pain.

Common error

Avoid using "ache all over" when referring to a specific injury or localized pain. This phrase implies a widespread sensation, not a concentrated one. If it's one arm that aches, say 'my arm aches', not 'I ache all over'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ache all over" functions as a descriptive phrase indicating a state of widespread physical discomfort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s used to portray a general feeling of pain throughout the body, and the provided examples reflect this.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ache all over" effectively conveys a sensation of widespread bodily discomfort. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is grammatically sound and appropriate for describing general pain after exertion or illness. While the phrase enjoys common use in News & Media, scientific sources and Wiki, it can be replaced by alternatives like "feel sore all over" or "body aches" depending on the context. To avoid misinterpretations, remember that "ache all over" is best suited for describing generalized discomfort, not localized pain.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel sore all over

Changes the verb "ache" to "feel sore", providing a slightly different nuance to the sensation.

body aches

A shorter, more direct way to describe the sensation of aching throughout the body.

have body pain

Replaces "ache" with "pain", emphasizing the intensity of the physical discomfort.

feel pain throughout my body

Expands the phrase for clarity, specifying the extent of the pain.

experience widespread discomfort

Uses more formal language to describe a general feeling of unease and pain.

be riddled with aches

Uses a more vivid image to convey the presence of multiple aches.

be stiff all over

Focuses on stiffness as the primary sensation, rather than a general ache.

experience general malaise

Shifts focus to a general feeling of illness or discomfort, which may include aches.

feel unwell throughout

Broadens the scope to include any type of sickness or discomfort felt throughout the body.

suffer from systemic pain

Uses medical terminology to describe pain affecting the entire system or body.

FAQs

How do I use "ache all over" in a sentence?

Use "ache all over" to describe a feeling of widespread bodily discomfort. For instance, "After the marathon, I "ached all over"".

What are some alternatives to saying "ache all over"?

You can use phrases like "feel sore all over", "body aches", or "experience widespread discomfort" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "ache all over"?

Use "ache all over" when the pain or discomfort is felt throughout the entire body, rather than in a specific area. This is common after strenuous exercise or during an illness.

Is "ache all over" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "ache all over" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both informal and semi-formal contexts. However, in highly formal or scientific writing, more precise medical terms may be preferred.