adds pain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adds pain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that causes discomfort or suffering, either physically or emotionally. Example: "The constant noise from the construction site adds pain to my already stressful day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Gone Girl" takes identity very seriously; it subordinates sex to power and love to pride, and suggests that the revelation of monstrosities brings knowledge without wisdom, adds pain to pain, covers masks with masks, and shows screens behind screens.

The New Yorker

Recent neuroscience reveals the brain even adds pain to things that were previously pleasurable to push us to get what our bodies want.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He added, "Pain.

The New York Times

He added, "Pain, yes.

The New York Times

So too does Hughes's – and with the added pain that his life should end playing the game he loved.

The Guardian - Sport

Now American Muslims are being vilified by their fellow Americans, and have to face the added pain of a rejection that stings of betrayal.

The New Yorker

When he operates on them, he recognizes that he is, at least in the short term, adding pain to a life saturated with pain.

The New York Times

And is the success of placing 42 kids who might not have found adoptive parents worth the added pain to the 200-plus children like Scott, Connor and David who don't?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

My answer is D. The other factors will add pain, but won't initiate the downturn.

Forbes

Spiking fuel prices weighed on a trucking business he owns, and the bum economy added pain.

Forbes

Quality of life QOL was measured by adding pain, functioning, and mood scores (each on a 1 10 scale, with 1 = best, 10 = worst).

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adds pain", consider the specific type of pain you're describing—is it physical, emotional, or metaphorical? Choosing more precise language can enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "adds pain" in situations where the degree of suffering is minimal. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic or insincere. Instead, consider milder alternatives like "contributes to discomfort" or "slightly worsens the situation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adds pain" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating that something increases or intensifies existing discomfort or suffering. Ludwig confirms the acceptability and usability of this phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adds pain" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the intensification of suffering or discomfort. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. It's commonly found in contexts such as News & Media and Science, with a neutral register, making it versatile for various writing styles. While "adds pain" is generally accepted, it's wise to consider the specific type of pain and avoid overuse in overly dramatic contexts. If a less intense expression is needed, consider alternatives like "contributes to discomfort".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increases suffering

Replaces "pain" with a broader term for suffering, implying a more general increase in hardship.

intensifies discomfort

Substitutes "pain" with "discomfort", suggesting a less severe but still negative experience.

aggravates distress

Uses stronger words to emphasize the worsening of an already negative state.

worsens the hurt

Uses simpler language to convey the idea of making an existing emotional wound deeper.

magnifies the discomfort

Uses a word suggesting that existing discomfort is amplified or enlarged.

exacerbates anguish

Employs more formal language to describe a deepening of emotional pain.

heightens agony

Replaces "pain" with "agony", suggesting a more intense and prolonged suffering.

augments the suffering

A formal way of saying suffering is increased.

compounds the misery

Highlights the additive effect of something making an already miserable situation worse.

deepens the sorrow

Focuses specifically on emotional pain and the process of it becoming more profound.

FAQs

How can I use "adds pain" in a sentence?

You can use "adds pain" to describe something that increases suffering or discomfort, such as "The constant noise from the construction site "adds pain" to my already stressful day".

What's a less intense alternative to "adds pain"?

If you want to convey a milder sense of discomfort, consider using phrases like "contributes to discomfort" or "slightly worsens the situation".

Is "adds pain" appropriate for formal writing?

While "adds pain" is grammatically correct, it might be perceived as somewhat informal or emotional. In formal contexts, alternatives like "exacerbates the issue" or "intensifies the difficulty" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "adds pain" and "causes pain"?

"Adds pain" implies that pain already exists and something is making it worse, whereas "causes pain" indicates that something is the initial source of the pain.