cause suffering to

USAGE SUMMARY

In written English, the phrase "cause suffering to" is correct and usable.
For example, "The famine caused suffering to thousands of people around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"Sometimes my being assertive and speaking truth to power become reduced to controversial and defiant," he said, adding later, "I raise contradictions when I feel people who have suffered cause suffering to other people".

The New York Times

We have suffered and therefore we are now empowered to cause suffering to others". In working to protect animals, Hershaft also aims to protect humanity.

HuffPost

Pressure ulcers cause suffering to patients and costs to society.

International Journal of Nursing Studies

However, the supreme obligation of the samurai was to his lord, even if this might cause suffering to his parents.

Britannica

Ghassan Khatib, the Palestinian Authority's minister of labor, calls the fence "a land-expropriation project" that will cause suffering to innocent people but do nothing to stop terrorists.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ideally with the data released today we would like to know, of the different procedures, which are likely to cause suffering to the animals involved.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"They are shooting themselves in the foot and causing suffering to the population".

The New York Times

Instead, World War I broke out, causing suffering to millions and bringing down Austria's empire.

The New York Times

Eating meat causes suffering to all who are part of the process.

The New York Times - Magazine

That lack of love, as well as other travails, causes suffering to ripple through the generations.

The New York Times - Books

We're relieved when they declare the risk of causing suffering to oysters, clams and scallops to be "vanishingly slight".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, use "cause suffering to" to emphasize direct causation and impact on the recipient. For instance, "The new policy will "cause suffering to" many families."

Common error

Avoid using "cause suffering to" when the causation is indirect or the suffering is a secondary consequence. Instead, use phrases like "contribute to" or "exacerbate" to accurately reflect the degree of causation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause suffering to" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of inflicting pain or hardship on someone or something. It highlights the agency of the cause and the impact on the recipient, as shown in the examples Ludwig provides.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cause suffering to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the action of inflicting pain, distress, or hardship. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples across various contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for news, academic discussions, and general communication, emphasizing the direct causation of negative consequences. When writing, ensure that the causation is indeed direct and that alternative phrases are considered for nuanced expressions of indirect impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inflict pain on

Focuses on the act of inflicting physical or emotional pain.

create distress for

Emphasizes the creation of emotional or mental distress.

bring hardship upon

Highlights the imposition of difficult conditions or circumstances.

lead to misery for

Indicates a path or direction that results in a state of unhappiness and suffering.

subject to torment

Implies the act of repeatedly causing suffering or harassment.

impose burden on

Focuses on placing a heavy load or obligation that causes difficulty.

visit affliction upon

Suggests a divine or external force causing suffering.

wreak havoc on

Highlights the destructive and chaotic consequences of an action.

generate anguish in

Focuses on the production of severe mental or physical suffering.

precipitate grief for

Emphasizes the sudden or unexpected causation of sorrow and mourning.

FAQs

How can I use "cause suffering to" in a sentence?

You can use "cause suffering to" to describe actions or situations that lead to pain, distress, or harm for someone. For example, "The war "caused suffering to" countless civilians."

What are some alternatives to "cause suffering to"?

Alternatives include "inflict pain on", "create distress for", or "bring hardship upon" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "cause suffering to" or "cause suffering for"?

"Cause suffering to" is generally preferred because it directly indicates who or what is experiencing the suffering, while "cause suffering for" can be ambiguous.

What is the difference between "cause suffering to" and "contribute to suffering"?

"Cause suffering to" implies a direct causal relationship, whereas "contribute to suffering" suggests a partial or indirect role in causing the suffering.