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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
feel painful
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"feel painful" can be a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe physical or emotional discomfort or discomfort in a specific part of the body. Example: "Every time I move my arm, it feels painful where I fell and injured it." This phrase can also be used in a figurative sense, to describe something that is emotionally or mentally distressing. Example: "Watching the news these days can feel painful, with all the tragedies and conflicts happening around the world."
✓ Grammatically correct
Wiki
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
30 human-written examples
Yoga should never feel painful, if you experience pain during any pose, adjust your pose, don't push so hard into it, and if you are still experiencing pain, come out of the pose and try something else.[19].[19]
Wiki
Try cold compresses to help reduce swelling and ease the pain if your breasts still feel painful and are hard to the touch, even after nursing or pumping milk.
Wiki
Shrinking down would, of course, feel painful.
News & Media
Sex should never feel painful or uncomfortable, and you should not endure sex in this way.
News & Media
It can feel painful or startling, it may make you angry or distressed, and you may find yourself panicking as you try to get away from the sound.
News & Media
In "Division by Zero", for example, we feel painful empathy and pity for the main character only because and insofar as we have understood the crisis in her life occasioned by a mathematical paradox.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
29 human-written examples
The first time she felt a dick hit her cervix, she was super turned on and already past the point where pain feels painful.
News & Media
Hyperalgesia includes stronger pain upon noxious stimulation (e.g. strong pressure or twisting the joint) and the experience of pain when stimuli are applied that are not felt painful under normal conditions (palpation, movements in the working range).
I felt painful when I was just jogging".
News & Media
The collapse of housing prices certainly feels painful, and for some homeowners, it will be.
News & Media
While this feels painful right now, there could be some silver linings.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing a specific physical sensation, consider using more precise terms like "throbbing", "aching", or "stabbing" to enhance clarity and convey the intensity of the "feel painful" sensation.
Common error
While "feel painful" is acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or scientific writing. Replace with more specific medical terms or descriptive adjectives to maintain a professional tone.
Source & Trust
75%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "feel painful" functions as a verb phrase where "feel" is a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "painful", describing a state of being. As Ludwig AI also confirms, this expression is commonly used to indicate the experience of discomfort or suffering.
Frequent in
Wiki
31%
News & Media
41%
Science
13%
Less common in
Formal & Business
2%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "feel painful" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the subjective sensation of pain, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is versatile, appearing in various contexts from general advice in wikis to personal experiences in news articles. While broadly acceptable, it's advisable to consider more specific or technical language in highly formal or scientific settings for enhanced clarity. When precision is paramount, using descriptive terms like "throbbing" or "aching" can more effectively communicate the specific nature of the sensation. Despite its validity, its appropriateness is subject to context, so consider using alternative expressions like "experience discomfort" or "have a painful sensation" where suitable. The frequency and broad applicability of this phrase makes it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary, provided it is used thoughtfully.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
have a painful sensation
Rephrases the feeling as a sensation that is painful.
feel discomfort
Similar to 'experience discomfort', but uses 'feel' directly.
experience discomfort
Focuses on the sensation of unease rather than intense pain.
suffer physically
Directly refers to physical pain or distress.
sense agony
Implies a more intense and prolonged feeling of suffering.
detect pain
Focuses on the perception or recognition of pain.
be in anguish
Highlights the emotional or mental suffering associated with pain.
perceive aching
Combines the sensory verb 'perceive' with the descriptive term 'aching'.
endure suffering
Emphasizes the act of bearing or tolerating pain over time.
be afflicted with pain
Highlights the state of being affected by pain.
FAQs
What does "feel painful" mean?
The phrase "feel painful" describes the subjective experience of physical or emotional pain. It indicates that someone is sensing or experiencing pain.
Is it correct to say "feel painful"?
Yes, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. However, as Ludwig AI points out, the appropriateness of its usage depends on the context.
What can I say instead of "feel painful"?
You can use alternatives like "experience discomfort", "sense agony", or "have a painful sensation" depending on the nuance you want to convey.
When should I use "feel painful" instead of other options?
Use "feel painful" when you want to emphasize the subjective sensation of pain. For more formal contexts, consider more descriptive or precise terms.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
75%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested