great anguish

USAGE SUMMARY

"great anguish" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a strong feeling of emotional or mental distress. You can use it in situations where someone is experiencing intense sorrow, pain, or anxiety. Example: After the tragic accident, the family was filled with great anguish as they mourned the loss of their loved one.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"There is great anguish in this environment".

The New York Times

She dreamed herself onto Pennsylvania Avenue "in a scene of great anguish and trouble".

The New York Times

"You have caused me great anguish," Mr. Sharon said, addressing the defectors.

The New York Times

Everything begins with the text and this is a source of great anguish to me.

The Guardian - Film

Turns out, her husband bullied me in high school and caused me great anguish at the time.

The New York Times

"N.Y.P.D.'s approach causes victims' families great anguish, and hampers public awareness of the preventable nature of most traffic deaths," their briefs state.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"One of the great anguishes of my life is that he didn't see my success," Newman said.

Independent

NOWHERE has the Libyan uprising caused greater anguish than inside Silvio Berlusconi's Italian government.

The Economist

But repeatedly, in looking back over his life, he returns to his moment of greatest anguish, the expulsion of Singapore from Malaysia in 1965, when he wept in public.

The New York Times

"I know of few subjects that have come before the Senate that have given me greater anguish," said Mr. Byrd, who first made his announcement on Tuesday before a group of American Legionnaires.

The New York Times

But for him the greatest anguish has been being deprived of watching his son - now aged nine - grow up.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "great anguish" to convey a significant level of emotional suffering. Ensure that the context clearly indicates the source or cause of the anguish to provide a complete picture for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "great anguish" in contexts that are not genuinely serious or emotionally impactful. Overusing the phrase can diminish its effect and make writing seem melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great anguish" functions primarily as a noun phrase, with "great" modifying the noun "anguish." According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "great anguish" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe intense emotional or mental suffering. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, primarily in news and media. While versatile, it's best suited for contexts that warrant a serious and measured tone, as overuse can diminish its impact. When writing, ensure that the phrase aligns with the gravity of the situation and consider alternatives like "profound sorrow" or "deep distress" to add nuance. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "great anguish" to convey profound emotional states in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep distress

Emphasizes the state of being troubled and disturbed.

profound sorrow

Shifts focus to deep sadness rather than distress.

extreme grief

Focuses specifically on sorrow caused by loss.

intense suffering

Highlights the experience of pain, whether emotional or physical.

acute pain

Emphasizes the sharpness and intensity of the emotional pain.

agonizing pain

Highlights the experience of intense mental or physical suffering.

bitter regret

Highlights feelings of remorse and disappointment.

excruciating torment

Emphasizes a severe and prolonged form of suffering.

overwhelming despair

Focuses on the feeling of hopelessness and loss of courage.

severe affliction

Emphasizes the state of being greatly troubled or distressed.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "great anguish" in a sentence?

Use "great anguish" to describe a profound emotional or mental suffering. For example, "The news of the disaster filled her with "great anguish"."

What are some alternatives to "great anguish"?

You can use alternatives like "profound sorrow", "deep distress", or "intense suffering" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "great anguish" a formal or informal phrase?

"Great anguish" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly found in writing than in casual conversation. However, its usage should align with the gravity of the situation being described.

What's the difference between "great anguish" and "great sorrow"?

"Great anguish" implies a more intense and prolonged suffering, encompassing both emotional and mental distress, while "great sorrow" primarily denotes a deep sense of sadness or grief.