an ongoing hell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ongoing hell" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or experience that is continuously difficult, painful, or distressing. Example: "Living in a city plagued by constant traffic and noise has turned my daily commute into an ongoing hell."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Our lives are an ongoing hell.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The parents of three Australian children who were killed when Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine have released a statement in which they describe their "ongoing hell" and call for an end to the "pointless war".

Independent

"If you're not discovered you have to endure ongoing hell, but if you are discovered and thrown into an increasingly ruthless and unjust asylum system then you're also damned".

Independent

But there's not a shred of bravado by the time we get to the final image, which finds Courage hauling the covered wagon that is her life directly into blazing light, an ongoing traveler through "the streets of hell".

The New York Times - Arts

He said he was "mad as hell", but declined to go into details, citing an ongoing internal department investigation.

BBC

It's an ongoing conversation.

Independent

It's an ongoing process.

The New York Times

It was an ongoing nightmare.

The New York Times

There's an ongoing dialogue.

Independent

"This is an ongoing situation.

Independent

A. You should be an ongoing communicator.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an ongoing hell" to vividly describe a situation or experience that is consistently and intensely negative. Consider its impact; overuse can diminish its effect. For example, use it to describe a situation with constant difficulties, pain, or distress. Consider alternative phrases to avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "an ongoing hell" for minor inconveniences or temporary setbacks. Its strong connotation should be reserved for truly dire or persistently agonizing situations. Overusing the phrase diminishes its impact and can make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ongoing hell" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object to vividly describe a situation characterized by continuous and extreme suffering or difficulty. As Ludwig AI points out, this expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ongoing hell" is a phrase used to describe a situation marked by continuous and intense suffering. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Although relatively rare, it effectively conveys strong negative emotions, primarily in news and personal narratives. When writing, reserve this phrase for genuinely dire situations and consider alternatives to avoid overuse. Related phrases include "a constant torment" and "a never-ending nightmare". While grammatically sound, remember that overusing the phrase diminishes its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a constant torment

Changes the metaphor to emphasize mental and emotional suffering rather than a hellish environment.

a never-ending nightmare

Emphasizes the frightening and unreal quality of the experience.

a perpetual struggle

Focuses on the effort and difficulty involved in dealing with the situation.

a continuous ordeal

Highlights the challenging and unpleasant nature of the experience.

an unending misery

Stresses the unhappiness and distress caused by the situation.

a relentless hardship

Underscores the severity and persistence of the difficulties.

a sustained agony

Emphasizes the intense pain and suffering involved.

a drawn-out crisis

Focuses on the prolonged and unstable nature of the situation.

a prolonged period of suffering

More formal and descriptive, lacking the emotional intensity of "hell".

a chronic problem

Downplays the emotional impact, focusing on the persistent and recurring nature of the issue.

FAQs

How can I use "an ongoing hell" in a sentence?

You can use "an ongoing hell" to describe a situation or experience that is continuously difficult, painful, or distressing. For example: "Living in a city plagued by constant traffic and noise has turned my daily commute into "an ongoing hell".

What can I say instead of "an ongoing hell"?

You can use alternatives like "a constant torment", "a never-ending nightmare", or "a perpetual struggle" depending on the context.

Is "an ongoing hell" too dramatic for formal writing?

Yes, "an ongoing hell" is generally considered too dramatic for formal or professional writing. In such contexts, consider using more neutral alternatives like "a persistent problem" or "a continuous challenge".

What is the difference between "an ongoing hell" and "a temporary setback"?

"An ongoing hell" describes a prolonged and intensely negative experience, while "a temporary setback" refers to a short-term obstacle or delay. The former implies continuous suffering, whereas the latter suggests a transient issue.