causing heartache

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "causing heartache" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or action that leads to emotional pain or distress. Example: "The sudden loss of her pet was causing heartache that she struggled to cope with."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

E-books, however, are causing heartache.

The Economist

Splunk is rapidly becoming the de facto SIEM replacement product, causing heartache for HP-ArcSight as well as IBM.

TechCrunch

The analysts predict that RIM and Apple's penetration (heh) into the mobile market are causing heartache for Moto and its 21% market share.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It will cause heartache for the people concerned.

The Guardian

The banners can cause great joy, and they can cause heartache.

The New York Times - Sports

It is a subject that has caused heartache for Mr. Hastert, personally and politically.

The New York Times

Woodhead's success has also caused heartache among some University of Nebraska fans.

The New York Times - Sports

"This will cause heartache for all the families involved," he said.

The Guardian

Mr. Gohmert later issued an apology, saying he was sorry "if my comments caused heartache to anyone in Colorado".

The New York Times

The answer is that he has seen enough class-action lawsuits in his lifetime to know that they are far more likely to cause heartache than joy.

The New York Times

"Claims like this can often cause heartache for infertile couples who see them as hope only to have their hopes dashed later when it doesn't translate into an available procedure," he told the Daily Mail.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "causing heartache" to describe situations or events that are the direct source of emotional pain. This helps to create a clearer and more impactful narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "causing heartache" too frequently, as it can dilute the impact. Vary your vocabulary to describe different nuances of emotional distress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "causing heartache" functions as a verbal phrase where 'causing' is a gerund and 'heartache' is the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, appearing in varied contexts from media to literature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "causing heartache" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the action of generating emotional pain or distress. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and applicability across various contexts. While "causing heartache" isn't particularly common, it's deemed neutral in tone and therefore suitable for both news reporting and general conversations. Remember to use this phrase when you want to emphasize the source of emotional suffering, and to vary your vocabulary to avoid overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inducing sorrow

Focuses on the emotion of sadness being generated.

provoking grief

Emphasizes a deeper, more profound sense of loss and mourning.

generating anguish

Highlights intense suffering and torment.

stirring up pain

Implies the activation or re-activation of emotional discomfort.

inflicting distress

Focuses on the act of imposing suffering on someone.

creating suffering

Highlights the active role in bringing about pain.

leaving a trail of tears

More metaphorical, emphasizing widespread sorrow.

bringing sadness

A simpler, more direct way of expressing the same idea.

upsetting someone

Indicates causing emotional disturbance or unease.

making someone miserable

Highlights the resulting state of unhappiness.

FAQs

How can I use "causing heartache" in a sentence?

You can use "causing heartache" to describe a situation or action that is the source of significant emotional pain. For instance, "The company's decision to lay off employees is causing heartache for many families."

What are some alternatives to "causing heartache"?

Alternatives include "inducing sorrow", "provoking grief", or "inflicting distress", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "causing heartache" and "causing pain"?

"Causing pain" is a more general term that can refer to physical or emotional suffering. "Causing heartache" specifically refers to emotional distress and sorrow.

Is "causing heartache" formal or informal?

"Causing heartache" is generally considered a neutral phrase, suitable for use in news articles, reports, and everyday conversation.