awful pain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'awful pain' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe a particularly intense, or extremely painful sensation. For example: The patient described the pain in her shoulder as an awful pain.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

We both feel the same awful pain of loss.

The Guardian - Opinion

And the only way to treat her causes awful pain.

The Washington Post

It would offer me some relief for maybe an hour, then this awful pain would start again.

The New York Times - Science

Better to put food on the table for the kids than to check out that awful pain in the gut.

The Washington Post

My insurance doesn't pay for those treatments, but again, not feeling that awful pain is worth the out-of-pocket expense.

Harvard University

The dialogue explains that she's haunted by her miscarriage, but neither Ms. Feste's direction nor Ms. Paltrow's acting takes you inside this awful pain.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

While some of us do have some awful chronic pain, letting your kids know a disability doesn't necessarily equate to physical pain can take a definite load off their mind.

Huffington Post

I lived with awful period pain for years and finally, at 25 years old, I had to call myself an ambulance from my office of 50 people.

The Guardian

"While some kids are in awful, terminal pain, and can clearly benefit from it, the scope for abuse is there, especially if pharmaceutical companies misbehave, as they have done in the past.

Princeton University

One reviewer, Andrew V, wrote: "Please visit this Dentist, if you want to be treated by a psychopath, that wants to hunt you down, see you bleeding in awful, deep pain and finally saws your head off.

The Guardian

Soon, flinching and wincing with that awful head pain of his, Dr Langdon is on the case, and of course he has a doe-eyed helpmeet – Sienna, a super-smart hospital doctor played by Felicity Jones.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical or emotional distress, use "awful pain" to convey a strong sense of suffering. This phrase effectively communicates the intensity of the experience to the reader.

Common error

While "awful pain" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in formal writing where more precise or clinical terms might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awful pain" functions as a descriptive element, intensifying the noun "pain" to convey a high degree of suffering. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "awful pain" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe intense suffering, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's most frequently encountered in news and media, science, and academic contexts. While effective in conveying strong emotions, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives in highly professional settings. Related phrases like "terrible pain" or "excruciating pain" can offer subtle variations in meaning and impact. When writing about suffering, using "awful pain" can create a vivid and empathetic connection with the reader, provided the context is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terrible pain

This alternative uses a different adjective to describe the intensity of the pain.

extreme pain

Emphasizes the highest degree of physical discomfort.

excruciating pain

This suggests a higher degree of severity and unbearable discomfort.

unbearable pain

Highlights the inability to cope with the level of pain.

dreadful pain

Uses a less formal adjective to convey the severity of the pain.

intense suffering

This focuses on the emotional aspect of pain and distress.

agonizing pain

Describes a prolonged and tormenting experience of pain.

severe discomfort

Emphasizes the physical unease and suffering experienced.

grueling pain

Highlights the exhausting and relentless nature of the pain.

acute pain

Describes a sudden and sharp onset of pain.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "awful pain" in a sentence?

Use "awful pain" to vividly describe intense physical or emotional suffering. For example, "She described the "awful pain" she felt after the accident".

What are some alternatives to "awful pain"?

Alternatives include "terrible pain", "excruciating pain", or "intense suffering", depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is "awful pain" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "awful pain" might be too informal for highly formal or scientific writing. Consider using more precise terms like "severe discomfort" or "intense pain" in those contexts.

How does "awful pain" differ from "chronic pain"?

"Awful pain" describes the intensity of the pain, while "chronic pain" refers to the duration. You can have "awful chronic pain", meaning the pain is both intense and long-lasting.