getting hurt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting hurt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of experiencing physical or emotional pain or injury. Example: "She was afraid of getting hurt again after her last relationship ended badly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're getting hurt.

The New York Times

Guys are getting hurt.

The New York Times - Sports

AE Getting hurt.

The Guardian

"I kept getting hurt.

The New York Times - Sports

People are getting hurt.

The Guardian

"Everybody's getting hurt.

The New York Times - Sports

They keep getting hurt.

The New York Times - Sports

Getting hurt can mean getting tossed.

Harvard University

I'm afraid of getting hurt.

The New York Times

As long as nobody's getting hurt.

The New York Times

I'm not getting hurt on purpose.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential risks, use "getting hurt" to convey a general sense of possible harm, whether physical or emotional. For example, "Consider the risks before participating, you don't want to end up getting hurt."

Common error

While "getting hurt" is widely understood, it can sound informal in academic or professional writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "sustaining injuries" or "experiencing harm" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting hurt" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a verb complement or object. It describes the action of experiencing physical or emotional harm. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, from sports injuries to emotional vulnerability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

13%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "getting hurt" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe experiencing physical or emotional harm. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral to informal register. While widely understood, more formal alternatives like "sustaining injuries" or "experiencing harm" may be preferable in academic or professional settings. When using this phrase, consider your audience and the desired level of formality. It is important to use "getting hurt" to convey a general sense of possible harm, whether physical or emotional.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming injured

A more formal and passive way of saying "getting hurt", focusing on the state of being injured.

sustaining an injury

Replaces the more general 'hurt' with the specific term 'injury', implying physical damage.

suffering harm

Emphasizes the experience of damage or negative impact, whether physical or emotional.

experiencing trauma

Highlights the potential for long-lasting psychological effects, suggesting a deeper level of emotional damage.

receiving a wound

Specifically refers to physical injuries, often in a formal or historical context.

coming to grief

Implies a negative outcome or consequence, often related to emotional or moral failings.

meeting with misfortune

Focuses on the element of bad luck or fate in experiencing harm or loss.

enduring hardship

Highlights the prolonged and difficult nature of the harm or suffering experienced.

suffering a setback

Suggests a temporary impediment or obstacle, often in the context of progress or goals.

facing adversity

Emphasizes the challenge of dealing with difficult or harmful circumstances.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "getting hurt" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "sustaining injuries", "experiencing harm", or "becoming injured".

Is "getting hurt" appropriate for all types of writing?

While widely understood, "getting hurt" may sound too informal for academic papers or business reports. Choose vocabulary that matches the writing's register.

What's the difference between "getting hurt" and "getting injured"?

"Getting hurt" is a general term for experiencing harm, while "getting injured" specifically implies physical damage or wounds. The choice depends on the context and the specific type of harm you're describing.

How to avoid "getting hurt" in a relationship?

While it's impossible to completely eliminate the risk of emotional pain, open communication, setting healthy boundaries, and self-care can help minimize the chances of experiencing significant hurt in relationships.