full of agony

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "full of agony" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a strong feeling of sadness or pain. An example sentence could be: "After hours of waiting, the family was filled with agony when they received the news that their loved one had died."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Dying young is a painful, horrible business, full of agony and rage and indignity.

The Guardian - Film

The Lever Brothers Co., of Cambridge, Mass., was full of agony in the late 20's.

The New Yorker

You'll still get plenty of greenroom drama, which, as Elizabeth Merrill writes on ESPN.com, is always full of agony for at least one guy.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a macabre image full of agony.

HuffPost

She described the experience as "miserable, depressing, fearful – full of agony and pain".

Vice

Radical were the writers who in late nineteenth century and early twentieth century Spain bitterly denounced, full of agony and frustration, the inability of a people to move beyond its character.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Imagine, he says, that the sculptor presented the full range of agony described in the poem: "The figure which formerly awakened our sympathy, from the admirable union which it presented of the expression of beauty and pain, is instantly converted into a hideous and unseemly image, from which the spectator will turn away his eyes in disgust".

The New Yorker

Then, one day, Bald Punk walked into the kitchen only to discover that someone had gotten there first: a gaunt man with a sloping face, pointed chin and eyes "full of silent agony," as Bald Punk rhapsodized.

The New York Times

A deathly silence filled the prison, and the faces of captive prisoners were full of sorrow, frustration and agony.

The Guardian

A wraith, steaming white and full of malice, screamed in agony.

Vice

His constituents came full of scorn and raked with agony.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "full of agony" to vividly depict situations involving intense physical or emotional suffering. It's particularly effective when describing personal experiences, historical events, or fictional scenarios where characters face extreme hardship.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of intensifiers such as "very" or "really" with "full of agony". The phrase itself is already strong; adding more emphasis can make your writing sound melodramatic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full of agony" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, providing information about the state or condition characterized by intense suffering. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "full of agony" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that effectively conveys intense suffering or distress. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and while it's not the most common phrase, it appears in reliable news and media sources. It functions as a descriptive adjective phrase that evokes strong emotions and paints a vivid picture of pain and anguish. When using this phrase, be mindful of overusing intensifiers to maintain a sincere and impactful tone. Consider alternatives like "filled with anguish" or "wracked with pain" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

filled with anguish

This phrase underscores the deep mental or emotional distress experienced, similar to agony but with a slightly different nuance.

wracked with pain

This phrase highlights the intensity and physical manifestation of the pain, suggesting a state of being tormented.

overwhelmed by misery

This phrase highlights the feeling of being completely overcome by unhappiness and hardship.

consumed by suffering

This alternative emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the suffering, suggesting it dominates the person's experience.

inconsolable with grief

This phrase indicates that the grief is so intense that it cannot be lessened or comforted.

laden with grief

This alternative focuses on the burden of sorrow and mourning, implying a heavy emotional weight.

tormented by despair

This phrase conveys a sense of relentless mental suffering and hopelessness.

besieged by sorrow

This alternative suggests that the sorrow is actively attacking or overwhelming the individual.

deeply distressed

This alternative offers a more general description of profound unhappiness or worry, lacking the intensity of "agony".

suffering immensely

This alternative simply emphasizes the magnitude of the suffering, without specifying its nature.

FAQs

How can I use "full of agony" in a sentence?

You can use "full of agony" to describe states of intense suffering, such as "The war-torn city was "full of agony" and despair" or "His face was "full of agony" as he recounted the tragic event".

What are some alternatives to "full of agony"?

Some alternatives to "full of agony" include "filled with anguish", "wracked with pain", and "consumed by suffering". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "full of agony" a formal or informal expression?

"Full of agony" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in descriptive writing or narrative rather than academic or business documents. The level of formality also depends on the surrounding text.

What's the difference between "full of agony" and "in agony"?

"Full of agony" describes a state or situation characterized by intense suffering, whereas "in agony" describes someone experiencing intense suffering directly. For example, "The room was "full of agony" as the patient writhed "in agony".