full of anguish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "full of anguish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of deep emotional pain or distress. Example: "After hearing the news of her friend's passing, she was left feeling full of anguish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

He often calls me up late at night full of anguish, but after the fact".

The New York Times

They're also full of anguish about sex and the eternal conflict between men and women.

The Guardian - Books

'What was clear was that the film was beautiful, mysterious, and full of anguish over lost faith.

The Guardian - Film

The Israeli press, full of anguish about the country's poor showing at the Olympics, praised London's staging of the Games.

The Guardian - Sport

Hopkins's story may be grim, and his correspondence full of anguish, but Mariani's portrait is flushed with the golden light of Hopkins's language.

The New Yorker

In Scotland the papers are full of anguish about the fate of the Govan shipyard, which runs out of work later this year.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

South Africa's halfway house has its full share of anguish.

The New York Times

Her daily prayers though were full of anguish since receiving the "good news" of her pregnancy.

Unicef

"What I killed for must've been good!" Bigger's voice was full of frenzied anguish.

The New Yorker

Her doctor husband, Martin, is caring but ineffectual; her younger brother, Max, who aims to be a writer, is full of pubescent anguish; and her father, David, who actually is a novelist, is afflicted by the artist's clinical detachment.

The Guardian

After hours of toil, their faces are still full of sorrow and anguish.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "full of anguish" to effectively convey a sense of profound emotional suffering or distress in your writing. It adds depth and emotional weight to descriptions of characters or situations.

Common error

Avoid using "full of anguish" repeatedly within a short span of text. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing seem melodramatic. Instead, vary your descriptions of emotional suffering with synonyms like "overwhelmed with grief" or "wracked with pain" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full of anguish" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe its state or quality. Ludwig AI confirms this, showcasing examples where it modifies subjects like 'face', 'voice', or even abstract concepts like 'the last three years'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "full of anguish" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe deep emotional suffering. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions primarily as an adjective phrase, adding depth and emotional weight to written descriptions. Its use is most prevalent in news and media contexts, where it conveys intense feelings of distress. While there are no significant grammatical errors associated with its use, overusing the phrase can diminish its impact. To maintain engaging writing, consider alternatives such as "overwhelmed with grief" or "wracked with pain".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overwhelmed with grief

Focuses on the feeling of being completely consumed by sorrow, a more intense emotion.

consumed by sorrow

Highlights the all-encompassing nature of the sadness experienced.

wracked with pain

Emphasizes the torment and suffering involved.

beset by misery

Suggests being surrounded and affected by a state of unhappiness.

laden with despair

Highlights the heavy burden of hopelessness.

filled with heartache

Emphasizes emotional sorrow, usually associated with loss or unrequited love.

suffering intensely

Focuses on the high degree of suffering.

experiencing deep distress

Highlights the state of severe emotional discomfort.

tormented by grief

Highlights emotional pain after a loss.

inconsolably sad

Focuses on the inability to be comforted or cheered up.

FAQs

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

You can use "full of anguish" to describe a person, situation, or expression that conveys deep emotional suffering. For example: "Her face was "full of anguish" as she spoke about the tragedy."

What are some alternatives to "full of anguish"?

Alternatives include "overwhelmed with grief", "consumed by sorrow", or "wracked with pain". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "full of anguish" formal or informal?

"Full of anguish" is considered a neutral to slightly formal expression suitable for both descriptive writing and serious discussions. It's appropriate for news articles, literature, and formal correspondence.

What's the difference between "full of anguish" and "full of sorrow"?

"Full of anguish" implies a more intense and prolonged suffering, often associated with a deep sense of loss or torment. "Full of sorrow" suggests a general state of sadness or grief. Anguish has more negative connotations and suggests a higher degree of suffering than sorrow.