grievous affliction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grievous affliction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a severe or serious suffering or distress, often in a medical or emotional context. Example: "The community rallied together to support those facing grievous affliction after the natural disaster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"No matter what sad disaster may follow," he wrote, "I shall regard it as a less grievous affliction than the continuance of that party in power".

The New York Times

The grievous affliction I am under includes a trembling mother's anxiety that he fall into evil.... New York has many snares for an unprotected young man.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

AFFLICTION Schizophrenia.

The New York Times

None involved grievous violence.

The Economist

This a grievous blow.

The New Yorker

AFFLICTION Brain tumor.

The New York Times

An affliction like that.

The New Yorker

Some of them grievous.

The Guardian

The news is grievous.

The New York Times

And the grievous sore?

The New Yorker

I have an affliction.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grievous affliction" when you want to convey a sense of profound and serious suffering, often with long-lasting implications. It's appropriate for formal writing and contexts where a strong emotional impact is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "grievous affliction" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formal tone and strong connotations can sound unnatural or overly dramatic in everyday situations. Opt for simpler, more direct language like "serious problem" or "difficult time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grievous affliction" functions as a noun phrase, where "grievous" modifies the noun "affliction". It denotes a state of intense suffering or distress. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grievous affliction" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a state of intense suffering. It is relatively rare, formal in tone, and primarily found in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is acceptable for use in formal writing but should be avoided in informal settings. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "severe suffering" or "tragic hardship" to maintain the gravity of the situation while adjusting the level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe suffering

Emphasizes the intensity of the suffering, removing the connotation of a long-lasting condition.

intense suffering

Focuses on the high degree of pain or discomfort experienced.

tragic hardship

Highlights the unfortunate and sorrowful nature of the hardship.

acute distress

Focuses on the immediate and intense emotional or physical pain.

profound adversity

Emphasizes the depth and significance of the challenging circumstances.

terrible ordeal

Highlights the extremely difficult and painful experience.

painful ordeal

Highlights the distressing and difficult nature of the experience.

major misfortune

Focuses on the unlucky event or circumstance causing the suffering.

serious adversity

Emphasizes the significant challenges and difficulties faced.

heavy burden

Emphasizes the weight and oppressiveness of the hardship.

FAQs

What does "grievous affliction" mean?

The term "grievous affliction" refers to a state of severe suffering or distress. "Grievous" implies something serious or grave, while "affliction" denotes a cause of pain or trouble.

How can I use "grievous affliction" in a sentence?

You might use "grievous affliction" to describe the suffering caused by a serious illness, a natural disaster, or a personal tragedy. For example: "The community rallied together to support those facing "grievous affliction" after the earthquake."

What are some alternatives to "grievous affliction"?

Alternatives include "severe suffering", "tragic hardship", or "acute distress". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "grievous affliction" formal or informal language?

"Grievous affliction" is considered formal language. It's more suitable for serious or academic writing than for casual conversation. Using it in informal contexts may sound overly dramatic or out of place.