asking for pain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "asking for pain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is seeking or inviting discomfort, suffering, or hardship, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "By constantly pushing his limits without rest, he seems to be asking for pain in his training regimen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Dr. McCarthy, wearing headphones and blue scrubs, faces the computer screen, where the patient, named Tom, a trim man with a neatly cropped beard, is asking for pain medication.

The New York Times

Some children had problem with the combination of asking for "Pain, discomfort or difficulty" in the same question.

Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes

Adults express a unique emotional pain component to CF and feel stigmatized and unsupported by their health care team when asking for pain management solutions.There are differences in how pain is perceived by adolescents and adults with CF that have otherwise not been reported in the current literature.

Pain Management Nursing

One explanation for the missing data is reluctance of caregivers to focus on pain in women who are not asking for pain relief.

British Medical Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Dr. Morrison said the difference might have occurred because patients with dementia could not ask for pain medicine, and doctors and nurses might not realize that they were suffering.

The New York Times

Because I never want to appear to be seeking pain meds, I minimize my pain, rarely ask for pain relief, and only to confess to a severe problem when I'm desperate.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It could be that white parents are more likely to ask for pain meds, or that minority patients are likely to get care in E.R.'s that have longer wait times.

The New York Times

"Normally they ask for pain killers and blood bags.

Huffington Post

The patient asked for pain relief in 39 cases.

Critical Care

The SNQ asked for pain in all regions of the body except for the head.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

The same question was also asked for pain during the previous seven days.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "asking for pain" to describe situations where someone's actions are likely to result in negative consequences, whether physical, emotional, or metaphorical. Consider the context carefully to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "asking for pain" when the person is not actively or knowingly contributing to the negative outcome. Ensure the phrase aligns with the subject's agency in the situation, so you don't misrepresent the reality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asking for pain" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun in a sentence. It describes the act of inviting or seeking negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and examples show it frequently references seeking physical, emotional, or metaphorical suffering.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "asking for pain" is a grammatically sound gerund phrase that describes the act of inviting or seeking negative consequences. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and frequent use in contexts such as News & Media and Science. It serves as a critical expression to highlight actions likely to cause suffering or hardship. While the expression can be generally described as neutral, it can be found also in informal settings. Be cautious to avoid overuse in formal settings or when the individual's agency is questionable. Consider alternatives like "inviting trouble" or "courting disaster" to soften the tone depending on your context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looking for suffering

Directly implies a desire for a painful or unpleasant experience.

inviting trouble

Shifts the focus from pain to general difficulties or problems.

bringing it on oneself

Emphasizes personal responsibility for a negative outcome.

inciting discomfort

Highlights the deliberate creation of unpleasantness or unease.

courting disaster

Implies a high risk of a very negative outcome.

enticing misery

Focuses on attracting unhappiness or distress.

seeking hardship

More formal and emphasizes the challenging nature of the experience.

soliciting grief

Suggests actively seeking sorrow or mourning.

stirring up strife

Implies provoking conflict or animosity.

tempting fate

Suggests that one is provoking a negative outcome due to superstition or destiny.

FAQs

How can I use "asking for pain" in a sentence?

You can use "asking for pain" to describe someone whose actions seem deliberately or carelessly inviting negative consequences, like hardship or suffering. For example, "By consistently neglecting safety protocols, he's "asking for pain"".

What's a less direct way to say "asking for pain"?

If you want to soften the tone, you might say someone is "inviting trouble" or "courting disaster". These alternatives suggest that the negative outcome is a likely consequence of their actions, but without being overly accusatory.

Is "asking for pain" always negative?

Yes, "asking for pain" typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting that someone is behaving in a way that will inevitably lead to negative consequences. However, it can be used in a self-deprecating or humorous way.

What's the difference between "asking for pain" and "looking for trouble"?

"Asking for pain" implies that suffering or hardship is the inevitable consequence. "Looking for trouble", on the other hand, suggests that someone is deliberately seeking out conflict or risky situations, which may not necessarily result in pain or suffering.