constant torment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "constant torment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or experience that is persistently painful or distressing. Example: "The constant torment of his thoughts kept him awake at night, unable to find peace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

As she grew, though, she screamed in constant torment.

The New Yorker

He's a martyr who seems to be in constant torment.

The New Yorker

"We can't continue to put him through this constant torment forever," said Mr. Franz.

The New York Times - Arts

"Living without peace is a constant torment," he said during mass, against the backdrop of a chubby baby Jesus wearing a Palestinian kiffaya, or scarf, in place of swaddling.

The Economist

I desperately wanted to be healthy and live and eat without constant torment, I didn't want to deal with hunger pangs but equally, I hated the pangs of guilt I felt every time I tried to fight those intense urges to starve or exercise or puke.

Independent

Yet while Gott sees him as a "rootless cosmopolitan in the European tradition - more at home in London or Paris or Barcelona", Vargas Llosa calls Peru a "constant torment", his relationship to it "more adulterous than conjugal, full of suspicion, passion and rages".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The issue attracted national attention in 2009 when an inquest found that police had failed Pilkington, who killed herself and her severely disabled teenage daughter in a burning car after the family endured years of near-constant torment from local youths.

The Guardian

The bulk of the chapter is dedicated to the near-constant torment Goldman visits on its interns, who were forced to scrape by on just $5,000 for the entire summer of the year 2000, after taxes.

Huffington Post

Former Batman Michael Keaton plays a washed-up former A-lister fighting against almost constant psychological torment, desperate to prove himself as a "real" actor because his best-known role is that of the titular man-sized avian crime-fighter.

The Guardian - Film

She had a functional view of the marriage and had four children by other men, a constant source of torment to her prissy Swiss mother.In this section Rough and unready Thinking big Organ failure A tempest in petticoats Waves of fortune A man of all seasons ReprintsMaria Fairweather's biography is rich in details and anecdotes about her subject.

The Economist

Neda Radwan, a psychologist for the International Rescue Committee, counsels the refugees and sees constant signs of survivor torment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "constant torment", ensure the context clearly establishes what is causing the torment. Providing specific details enhances the impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "constant torment" in situations that are merely unpleasant or mildly irritating. This phrase carries significant weight and should be reserved for genuinely severe or prolonged suffering.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constant torment" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition or a direct object, to describe a state of continuous suffering or anguish. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a powerful way to convey persistent hardship.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "constant torment" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe ongoing suffering or distress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in written English. The analysis of usage patterns shows that it is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to consider the severity of the situation and ensure it aligns with the weight and intensity that "constant torment" conveys. While alternatives like "unceasing agony" or "perpetual suffering" exist, the specific choice depends on the precise nuance you wish to communicate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unceasing agony

Replaces "torment" with "agony", emphasizing the intensity of the suffering while "unceasing" maintains the continuous aspect.

perpetual suffering

Substitutes "torment" with "suffering", a broader term for pain and distress; "perpetual" reinforces the ongoing nature.

endless anguish

Replaces "torment" with "anguish", highlighting mental or emotional suffering; "endless" emphasizes the lack of cessation.

incessant misery

Uses "misery" in place of "torment", focusing on unhappiness and suffering; "incessant" denotes the continuous nature of the experience.

relentless pain

Focuses on the physical or emotional pain as the source of "torment", with "relentless" indicating its unyielding quality.

unremitting distress

Replaces "torment" with "distress", a state of anxiety or suffering, while "unremitting" signifies its persistent nature.

continual affliction

Uses "affliction" to represent the cause of suffering, while "continual" underscores the ongoing experience of it.

ceaseless tribulation

Replaces "torment" with "tribulation", suggesting a trial or suffering; "ceaseless" emphasizes the continuous duration.

never-ending woe

Substitutes "torment" with "woe", highlighting deep sorrow or grief; "never-ending" stresses the lack of conclusion.

unyielding hardship

Focuses on the difficult conditions causing the "torment", with "unyielding" indicating the persistence of the hardship.

FAQs

How can I use "constant torment" in a sentence?

You can use "constant torment" to describe a state of ongoing suffering or distress, such as "The victim lived in "constant torment" due to the abuse" or "The illness caused her "constant torment"".

What are some alternatives to "constant torment"?

Some alternatives include "unceasing agony", "perpetual suffering", or "endless anguish". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "constant torment" in formal writing?

Yes, "constant torment" is appropriate for formal writing when describing significant and ongoing suffering. However, ensure the tone remains respectful and avoids exaggeration.

What's the difference between "constant torment" and "fleeting discomfort"?

"Constant torment" describes a prolonged and intense state of suffering, while "fleeting discomfort" refers to a brief and mild unpleasant experience. The key difference lies in the duration and severity of the experience.