causing pain for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "causing pain for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an action or situation that results in someone experiencing discomfort or suffering. Example: "The new policy is causing pain for many employees who feel undervalued and overworked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Still, the current upheaval is already causing pain for many investors.

The New York Times

Instead Jordan ended up causing pain for many in the markets who had expected the peg would stay in place.

The Guardian - Business

For now, the declines in the stock market are causing pain for many people, particularly the better-off people with the most investments.

The New York Times

But inflation is causing pain for businesses, too, as many companies are forced to pay more for fuel and transportation costs for goods.

The New York Times

The implants, Teflon-coated disks about the size of thumbnails that had been placed in his jaw joints to replace cartilage, have been eating away at his skull bones and causing pain for 15 years.

The New York Times - Science

A1 Gasoline Prices Causing Pain For millions of Americans, filling up the gas tank has become an eye-popping experience this summer as prices have reached levels that, after adjusting for inflation, have been seen only once on any sustained basis since World War II.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"As foreign minister, I bow my head deeply, expressing regrets for causing pains for the victims and their families, their advocacy groups and the people in general," Ms. Kang said.

The New York Times

They must have caused pain for each of you, right?

The New York Times

And the breakup of such marriages has caused pain for many families.

The New York Times

Nearly all economists would agree that trade with China has caused pain for many American workers and needs attention.

The New Yorker

High energy prices also cause pain for some of the poorest in US society, often in rural communities, who use fuels such as propane to heat their homes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the intensity of the 'pain' you wish to convey; synonyms like 'discomfort', 'distress', or 'suffering' may be more appropriate depending on the situation.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "causing pain for" can sound simplistic in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like 'exacerbating difficulties for' or 'inflicting hardship on' to enhance the tone and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "causing pain for" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a gerund phrase acting as a modifier. It describes an action or situation that results in someone experiencing discomfort or suffering. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "causing pain for" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a situation or action leading to discomfort or suffering. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While generally neutral in register, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. For more formal or academic writing, consider using synonyms like "exacerbating difficulties for" or "inflicting hardship on". Alternatives such as "inflicting suffering on", "leading to discomfort for", or "resulting in anguish for" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inflicting suffering on

This alternative emphasizes the act of imposing suffering, highlighting the active role of the cause.

leading to discomfort for

This phrase focuses on the consequence of discomfort, which is a more mild form of pain.

resulting in anguish for

This alternative emphasizes the deep emotional distress experienced as a result.

generating distress among

This phrase highlights the creation of distress, often impacting a group of people.

creating hardship for

This emphasizes the difficulties and struggles that are caused.

bringing adversity to

Focuses on the arrival of negative circumstances as a consequence.

making life difficult for

This phrase uses more casual language to describe the act of making things harder for someone.

imposing burdens on

This focuses on the act of placing heavy loads or obligations on individuals or groups.

exacted a toll on

This alternative uses a more figurative sense of pain, suggesting negative consequences.

taking its toll on

This alternative uses an idiom to describe the negative impact of something.

FAQs

How can I use "causing pain for" in a sentence?

You can use "causing pain for" to describe situations or actions that result in discomfort or suffering. For example, "The new economic policy is causing pain for many small businesses."

What are some alternatives to "causing pain for"?

Alternatives include "inflicting suffering on", "leading to discomfort for", or "resulting in anguish for", depending on the desired level of formality and emotional intensity.

Is "causing pain for" too informal for academic writing?

While not grammatically incorrect, "causing pain for" might be perceived as simplistic in academic writing. Consider using more sophisticated phrases like "exacerbating difficulties for" or "inflicting hardship on" to convey a similar meaning with greater precision.

What's the difference between "causing pain for" and "creating hardship for"?

"Causing pain for" generally refers to a direct experience of discomfort or suffering, while "creating hardship for" suggests difficulties and struggles. The former focuses on immediate distress, the latter on longer-term challenges.