feels like hell

USAGE SUMMARY

'feels like hell' is correct and usable in written English, and is commonly used as a metaphor to describe a situation that is particularly unpleasant.
For example, "I'm so tired after working all weekend - this assignment feels like hell."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"Inside this feels like hell for me, it's a catastrophe.

The Guardian - Sport

I do it so it feels like hell.

The New Yorker

The rest of Plath's life and work can be seen as her response to that inane, implicitly sexist suggestion: "I do it so it feels like hell.

The New York Times - Books

It seems like real hell at times here, it feels like hell, it looks like hell, and it sounds like hell.

The New York Times

"There was a brief period in my early 30s when I felt life was OK, and now it feels like hell again.

The Guardian - Books

For those with faith of any kind, even a glimmer left over from childhood, they understand this reaching for the comfort of heaven when Earth feels like hell.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

They feel like hell on earth.

The Guardian

"I feel like hell," said Brian Gardner of the Missouri National Guard.

The New York Times

We read and read about sunken islands and glandular extracts, and we still felt like hell.

The New Yorker

And all of a sudden, it just felt like hell, like I hit rock bottom or something.

The New York Times - Sports

The Witches of Eastwick should feel like hell breaking loose, but for now, it's still straining at its leash.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feels like hell" to vividly express extreme discomfort, suffering, or unpleasantness, making sure the context aligns with this strong emotional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "feels like hell" in formal or professional writing, as its intensity can be inappropriate. Opt for more measured language like "extremely challenging" or "highly unpleasant" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feels like hell" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation or experience that is extremely unpleasant, painful, or difficult. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feels like hell" is a common idiomatic expression used to vividly describe experiences or situations that are extremely unpleasant or painful. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability. While prevalent in news and media, as well as informal contexts, it's best to avoid using "feels like hell" in formal writing where more measured language is appropriate. Remember that strong emotional expressions are not encouraged when aiming for Formal and Business communication. Alternatives such as "is a living nightmare" or "is utterly unbearable" can convey similar levels of distress, albeit with slightly different nuances. By understanding the function, purpose, and register of "feels like hell", writers can effectively and appropriately use this powerful expression in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a living nightmare

Focuses on the ongoing, horrific nature of the experience.

is absolutely awful

Emphasizes the extremely unpleasant nature of the situation.

is a complete disaster

Highlights the catastrophic outcome or state of affairs.

is pure agony

Conveys intense physical or emotional pain.

is utterly unbearable

Stresses the inability to tolerate the situation.

is a torment

Suggests continuous suffering and distress.

is extremely painful

Highlights the distressing nature of the situation

is deeply unpleasant

Focuses on the disagreeable and offensive qualities.

is a wretched experience

Conveys a sense of misery and misfortune.

is exceptionally difficult

Emphasizes the high level of challenge and hardship.

FAQs

How can I use "feels like hell" in a sentence?

You can use "feels like hell" to describe situations that are extremely unpleasant or difficult. For instance, "After running the marathon, my legs "felt like hell"."

What are some alternatives to "feels like hell"?

Alternatives include "is a living nightmare", "is absolutely awful", or "is a complete disaster", depending on the specific context and intensity you want to convey.

Is "feels like hell" appropriate for formal writing?

Generally, "feels like hell" is too informal and intense for formal writing. More appropriate alternatives would be phrases like "extremely challenging" or "highly unpleasant."

What's the difference between "feels like hell" and "is difficult"?

"Feels like hell" conveys a much stronger sense of suffering and unpleasantness than "is difficult". While "is difficult" simply indicates a challenge, "feels like hell" suggests an experience that is intensely painful or unbearable.