cause discomfort

USAGE SUMMARY

'cause discomfort' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in any context to allude to an uncomfortable feeling or situation. For example, "The tight shoes caused discomfort during the entire hike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The code prohibits persistent and troublesome smells that cause discomfort.

The New York Times

Acknowledging and discussing how leaders exercise power can cause discomfort.

The Guardian

At times, content is explicitly intended to cause discomfort.

The New York Times

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, the medical term for enlarged prostate, can cause discomfort and frequent urination.

The New York Times - Health

Important safety instructions: Poking yourself in eye with canoe can cause discomfort.

The New York Times

That she exposes her subjects to the reader, and to themselves, can cause discomfort.

The New Yorker

At its loudest, the sound pushed against your head, but it didn't cause discomfort.

The New York Times - Arts

Often, the answers cause discomfort on both sides of the table.

The New York Times - Food

"Wearing a veil is a personal choice and removing it might cause discomfort.

The Guardian

This story, if true, should cause discomfort on right and left.

The New York Times

In the United States, a slightly different spelling can cause discomfort.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, specify the type of discomfort caused. For instance, instead of just stating that something "cause discomfort", elaborate on whether it's physical pain, emotional distress, or mental unease.

Common error

Avoid using "cause discomfort" as a vague, catch-all term. If possible, be specific about the nature and source of the discomfort to improve clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause discomfort" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It indicates the act of creating or producing a state of unease, pain, or distress, either physical or emotional. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

31%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cause discomfort" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of producing a state of unease, pain, or distress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, ranging from News & Media to Science and general writing. While it's generally neutral in tone, specifying the type of discomfort can improve clarity. Alternatives such as "induce unease" or "engender distress" might be more suitable for formal writing. Avoiding overuse and providing context will make your writing more precise and impactful. With over 60 examples available, "cause discomfort" proves to be a common and useful phrase in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

induce unease

This alternative suggests a subtle psychological effect, implying a mild sense of anxiety or worry.

provoke unease

This implies actively triggering a feeling of anxiety or discomfort in someone.

create annoyance

Focuses on the act of producing irritation, potentially in a more active or deliberate manner.

generate irritation

Highlights the process of producing a state of annoyance, suggesting an ongoing or repetitive effect.

lead to soreness

Specifically refers to physical discomfort, typically associated with muscles or injuries.

be a source of bother

Implies a mild and persistent form of inconvenience or trouble.

bring about suffering

Implicates a deeper level of distress or pain, implying a more serious consequence.

stir up agitation

Suggests the instigation of a state of restlessness or excitement, often with negative connotations.

result in suffering

Indicates that the action leads to a state of distress and pain, often of a prolonged nature.

foster distress

Implies nurturing or encouraging feelings of anxiety or pain, suggesting a gradual or sustained effect.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "cause discomfort" to sound more formal?

In formal writing, consider alternatives like "induce unease", "engender distress", or "precipitate a sense of unease" to convey a more sophisticated tone.

What's a more specific alternative to "cause discomfort" when referring to physical pain?

If you're referring to physical pain, you could use more precise terms such as "cause pain", "induce soreness", or "result in aches".

Is it better to use "cause discomfort" or "causing discomfort"?

The choice between "cause discomfort" and "causing discomfort" depends on the sentence structure. "Cause discomfort" is typically used as the main verb, while "causing discomfort" is used as a participle modifying a noun or pronoun.

What words are similar to "cause uneasiness" or "cause discomfort"?

Synonyms for "cause discomfort" and "cause uneasiness" include "generate anxiety", "provoke anxiety", "induce stress", or "foster agitation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.