causing misery

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "causing misery" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions, events, or situations that lead to suffering or unhappiness. Example: "The constant noise from the construction site is causing misery for the residents living nearby."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"Is it causing misery for the class?

The New York Times

It's causing misery on a daily basis to passengers' lives.

The Guardian

Our airport space and traffic control systems are greatly overstretched, causing misery for American passengers.

The New York Times

This injustice has been causing misery for years, and successive governments have failed to do something about it.

The Guardian - Money

"Bovine TB is a devastating disease that is causing misery for dairy and livestock farmers across the countryside.

The Guardian

Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said firms were causing misery through poor business practices and high interest rates.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Failed states always cause misery, but only sometimes are they a global threat.

The Economist

This has caused misery for millions of motorists up and down the country.

Independent

That the storm caused misery and perhaps even tragedy is indisputable.

The New York Times

Clinical depression causes misery for hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

The Guardian

Instead you chose to peddle drugs, which cause misery to people and a cycle of crime".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "causing misery", ensure the context clearly identifies what or who is responsible for the suffering. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "causing misery" in overly sentimental or melodramatic contexts where simpler, more direct language would be more effective. Choose precise language to match the tone of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "causing misery" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a clause to describe the action of inflicting suffering or distress. Ludwig's examples show it is often part of a larger sentence that explains the source or reason for the misery.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "causing misery" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of inflicting suffering or unhappiness. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread in news and media, often to highlight the negative consequences of actions or policies. While versatile, be mindful of the tone to avoid melodrama. Alternatives like "inflicting suffering" or "generating distress" can provide nuanced variations, while clarity regarding the cause of the misery will enhance your writing. With a strong presence in authoritative sources, using "causing misery" effectively requires considering context and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inflicting suffering

Replaces "misery" with "suffering", emphasizing the broader experience of pain and hardship.

bringing about unhappiness

Focuses on the emotional aspect, using "unhappiness" as a substitute for "misery".

generating distress

Emphasizes the creation of mental or emotional strain.

leading to sorrow

Highlights the consequence of an action resulting in sadness.

wreaking havoc

Suggests widespread destruction and disorder, implying intense suffering.

stirring up anguish

Focuses on a more profound and prolonged sense of emotional pain.

fostering despair

Highlights the creation of a sense of hopelessness.

sparking grief

Highlights the beginning of an intense sorrow, usually after a loss.

prompting hardship

Emphasizes the creation of difficult or unpleasant conditions.

cultivating misfortune

Focuses on creating generally unfavorable circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "causing misery" to describe something that is inflicting significant suffering or unhappiness. For example: "The new policy is causing misery for many employees."

What are some alternatives to "causing misery"?

Alternatives include "inflicting suffering", "bringing about unhappiness", or "generating distress", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "cause misery" or "causing misery"?

The choice depends on the grammatical structure of your sentence. "Cause misery" is suitable when used as a verb, while "causing misery" is used in continuous tenses or as a gerund. For example: "These policies cause misery" versus "These policies are causing misery".

What is the difference between "causing misery" and "resulting misery"?

"Causing misery" describes the act of inflicting suffering, while "resulting misery" refers to the suffering that is a consequence of something else. The first focuses on the source, while the second focuses on the outcome.