extent of suffering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extent of suffering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the degree or level of pain or distress experienced by someone or something. Example: "The extent of suffering caused by the natural disaster was unimaginable, affecting thousands of lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The scale and extent of suffering inflicted by the powerful – mainly men – on those weaker than them – mainly women and children – did not end in the 1970s.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The full extent of suffering inflicted on Yemen's population by the war has been laid bare by a series of independent assessments.

Independent

Madaya was not listed as under a blockade in a year-end UN report on the situation in Syria, even though UN officials had known about the extent of suffering there for months.

The Guardian

Young adult children like Shackelford's may be traumatized to the extent of suffering severe depression, or being unable to form committed relationships of their own.

Huffington Post

The jubilance was balanced by sobering statistics about the extent of suffering in the world from poverty, war, displacement and natural disasters.

Huffington Post

Patients and physicians have different perspectives on the nature and extent of suffering.

British Medical Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Existing quality of life instruments were not suitable, because they frequently measure the intensity or extent of potentially suffering inducing aspects, but not whether suffering occurs.

BMC Palliative Care

But amid the devastation of war, children are often forgotten with the full extent of their suffering only emerging afterwards.

The Guardian

The residents of Gotham experienced slightly slower Amazon deliveries than usual, but that was about the extent of their suffering.

The Guardian - Opinion

It would be heartless to turn our backs on the people of Blue Nile, especially now that we know the extent of their suffering.

The New York Times

The noble "international community" which is currently scrambling to send its "humanitarian aid" to Haiti is largely responsible for the extent of the suffering it now aims to reduce.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the "extent of suffering", consider the audience and the purpose of your writing. Be specific about what factors contribute to the suffering and avoid generalizations that could diminish its impact.

Common error

Avoid hyperbolic language when describing the "extent of suffering". Overly dramatic or exaggerated claims can undermine the credibility of your message and desensitize readers to the actual pain and hardship experienced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extent of suffering" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes the degree or measure to which pain, distress, or hardship is experienced. As Ludwig AI shows, it often appears in discussions about humanitarian crises or medical conditions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "extent of suffering" is a noun phrase used to describe the degree or measure of pain, distress, or hardship experienced. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, noting its presence in diverse contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. While the phrase is considered uncommon in overall frequency, it appears regularly in credible sources like The Guardian, The New York Times and scientific publications. To ensure clarity and impact, avoid overstating the suffering and consider more specific language. Alternatives such as "magnitude of suffering" or "degree of suffering" can offer subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

magnitude of suffering

Emphasizes the scale or size of the suffering.

degree of suffering

Focuses on the intensity or level of suffering.

scope of suffering

Highlights the range or breadth of the suffering experienced.

depth of suffering

Indicates the emotional or psychological intensity of the suffering.

scale of suffering

Similar to magnitude, but can also refer to the widespread impact.

intensity of suffering

Like 'degree', this term stresses the severity of the suffering.

amount of suffering

A more general term, referring to the quantity of suffering.

level of suffering

Indicates a specific point on a spectrum of suffering.

burden of suffering

Focuses on the impact or weight of the suffering.

volume of suffering

Implies a large quantity or accumulation of suffering.

FAQs

How can I accurately portray the "extent of suffering" in my writing?

To accurately portray the "extent of suffering", use specific details, credible sources, and avoid generalizations. Providing concrete examples and focusing on individual experiences can help convey the true impact of the suffering.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "extent of suffering"?

You can use alternatives such as "magnitude of suffering", "degree of suffering", or "scope of suffering" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "extent of suffering" in formal writing?

Yes, the phrase "extent of suffering" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and direct way to describe the degree or level of pain and hardship experienced by individuals or groups. However, always consider the context and audience when choosing your language.

What is the difference between "extent of suffering" and "severity of suffering"?

"Extent of suffering" refers to the scope or range of the suffering, while "severity of suffering" refers to the intensity or seriousness of the suffering. The "extent" might describe how many people are affected, whereas the "severity" describes how deeply each person is affected.