convey anguish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "convey anguish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the expression or communication of deep emotional pain or suffering, often in literature, art, or personal experiences. Example: "The poem was powerful enough to convey anguish, leaving the readers in a state of reflection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Music

Literature

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Even more admirable was the way he made these physical feats convey anguish, rage and a desire for vengeance.

The New York Times - Arts

Errol Brown was a great singer, possessed of the ability to convey anguish with a chilling falsetto shriek, but it was a sound he rarely used: instead, he tended to unflustered cool, an imperturbable loverman who wouldn't have broken sweat if someone had set fire to his tight satin trousers.

The Guardian - Music

Cardellini has a young face but the weariness of a much older woman and the ability to convey anguish, disappointment and frustration with a minimum of effort.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Ms. Wilkins's Caroline was unusually and utterly crushed, conveying anguish in a superbly articulated performance.

The New York Times - Arts

In the books, her quest for revenge is compelling, and when at the Red Wedding Michelle Fairley proved herself more than equal to the task of conveying anguish and white-hot rage, appetites were whetted.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Benedict has used emotional language to convey his anguish over the abuse, starting before he even landed in the United States.

The New York Times

His voice has the gravity, depth and unforced power to convey the anguish of this paranoid monarch who grovels to the church and trusts in no one.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Maguire's performance is disciplined but also strained, as he tries to convey the anguish of a man whose personality has been thrown off balance by circumstances.

The New York Times

A haunting melody in the clarinet and sighing motifs in the strings convey the anguish of the maiden grieving her faithless lover, with imaginative use of percussion, including a rain stick, adding drama and textural nuance.

The New York Times - Arts

The thick-necked and glowering Murilo Benicio, as Lucinho, the drug lord who rules Carioca Hill, tries to convey the anguish simmering underneath his character's thuggery but ends up doing a faltering impression of Harvey Keitel.

The New York Times

What is left are just enough pieces and letters to convey the anguish, emotions and passions that transformed the disillusioned and failed preacher into the nascent artist, and the nascent artist into a master of impressionism.'Van Gogh in the Borinage: The Birth of an Artist' is at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Mons until May 17th.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "convey anguish" when you want to emphasize the act of communicating a deep sense of emotional pain or suffering. This phrase is particularly effective in describing performances, artistic expressions, or personal narratives where the communication of anguish is a key element.

Common error

Avoid using "convey anguish" in situations that are only mildly upsetting. This phrase is best reserved for situations involving profound emotional distress, as overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing seem melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "convey anguish" functions as a verbal phrase, where "convey" acts as a transitive verb requiring an object (anguish) to complete its meaning. It is used to describe the action of communicating deep emotional pain. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Arts

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "convey anguish" is a useful tool for describing the communication of deep emotional pain. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in varied media. While "express anguish" is a similar alternative, "convey anguish" often lends a more formal tone. Use the phrase thoughtfully, reserving it for contexts where intense suffering is genuinely being communicated to avoid diluting its impact. When you want to describe how someone or something shows profound grief, consider using "express deep sorrow", "communicate suffering", or "articulate distress" for a subtle change in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

express deep sorrow

Replaces "anguish" with a more general term for sadness, focusing on the emotional aspect.

communicate suffering

Substitutes "anguish" with "suffering", emphasizing the experience of pain.

articulate distress

Uses a more formal verb, "articulate", to indicate a clear and effective expression of "distress".

show profound grief

Replaces "anguish" with "grief", indicating a deeper and more prolonged sorrow, and "convey" with "show".

reflect emotional pain

Focuses on the reflection or mirroring of inner emotional pain, rather than direct communication.

demonstrate deep misery

Emphasizes the demonstration or outward display of profound "misery".

portray intense sorrow

Highlights the portrayal or representation of significant sorrow, suitable for artistic or descriptive contexts.

reveal heartfelt pain

Stresses the revelation of genuine, deeply felt pain.

give voice to despair

Emphasizes the act of vocalizing or expressing "despair", often implying a sense of hopelessness.

embody deep torment

Indicates that someone or something is the embodiment of profound "torment", often used in a figurative sense.

FAQs

How can I use "convey anguish" in a sentence?

You can use "convey anguish" to describe how someone expresses deep emotional pain, such as "The actor's performance effectively "conveyed anguish" through subtle facial expressions".

What are some alternatives to "convey anguish"?

Alternatives include "express deep sorrow", "communicate suffering", or "articulate distress". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to "convey".

Is it better to say "convey anguish" or "express anguish"?

"Convey anguish" and "express anguish" are both grammatically correct and semantically similar. "Express anguish" might be slightly more common in everyday language, while "convey anguish" can sound more formal and is often found in descriptive writing about art or performance.

How does "convey anguish" differ from "imply anguish"?

"Convey anguish" means to communicate emotional pain directly, while "imply anguish" means to suggest or hint at it indirectly. "Convey" is a more explicit communication, whereas "imply" is more subtle.