groaning

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "groaning" is a perfectly correct and usable word in written English.
It is used as an intransitive verb to describe a sound or noise made in response to a difficult situation or feeling of hopelessness. For example, "The crowd groaned in despair as the final buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some asylum seekers being treated at the scene can be heard groaning in pain.

The Guardian

I was surprised to be told the "before" picture doesn't look that messy, but it's only because I'd shoved 80% of my crap into groaning cupboards and drawers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Along the back wall was a bar with an impressive array of drinks and in the middle of the room was an enormous table groaning under the weight of incredible-looking food including hand-carved hams, olives the size of plums and pasta dish upon pasta dish.

The Guardian - Sport

His incessant thrusting of an upraised arm however, along with about 30 minutes of soft groaning towards the end of Mr Morris's talk, gave him away.When he was finally handed the microphone he began his rant with the words "But WHAT is your PURPOSE?" and included a lot about this sham that we call a democracy and so forth.

The Economist

BACK in the 20th century, robots were portrayed in science fiction as creaking, groaning metal machines and the reality, as found on assembly lines, was not much better.

The Economist

The number of Americans saying grace before meals has risen from 43% in 1947, the era of Rockwellian bliss, to 63% today.Evidently, groaning plates inspire greater thanks.

The Economist

The "White Paper" is sparing in its new proposals a relief to financial firms groaning under a glut of past initiatives from the Brussels rule factory.

The Economist

The biggest slowdown in lending has occurred among the country's big commercial banks and state-owned regional banks, the Landesbanken, which are groaning under the weight of losses on toxic assets.

The Economist

As a sign of problems to come, lorry sales in India and exports too have plummeted.Tata Motors is groaning under the debt run up from its purchase for $2.3 billion of Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford in June 2008.

The Economist

And while rail companies may be groaning, their remaining passengers may have something to celebrate.

The Economist

He is also reluctant to predict what may lie ahead for GM (shorn of brands and debt, but owned by the government), Chrysler (under the management of Italy's Fiat) and Ford (well-managed, valiantly avoiding the stigma of bankruptcy and bail-out, but still groaning under the weight of an only partially restructured balance sheet).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "groaning" to describe an object, ensure the context makes it clear that the object is under strain or pressure, either literally or figuratively.

Common error

Avoid using "groaning" to describe inanimate objects unless they are actually making a noise akin to a groan, or are under significant strain. Simply being old or dilapidated doesn't necessarily mean something is "groaning".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "groaning" is as a verb, specifically the present participle of the verb 'groan'. As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies the act of making a deep, mournful sound, often expressive of pain or dissatisfaction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "groaning" is a versatile word primarily functioning as a verb to describe the act of making a deep, mournful sound indicative of pain, suffering, or being heavily burdened. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically correct and widely used. While it's prevalent in contexts like News & Media, its register remains neutral, suitable for various communicative purposes. When using "groaning", ensure the context aligns with its core meaning of expressing discomfort or strain, whether literal or figurative. The related phrases, such as "moaning" and "lamenting", offer nuanced alternatives for more precise expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moaning

Focuses more on a sound of suffering or pleasure, slightly different from general discomfort.

grumbling

Suggests a low, indistinct complaint.

lamenting

Emphasizes expressing sorrow or regret, often verbally.

complaining

Highlights the act of expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance.

straining

Implies effort or struggle, often accompanied by a sound.

griping

Similar to complaining, but often about minor issues.

whining

Indicates a high-pitched, complaining sound, often childish.

creaking

Describes a similar sound, but more often associated with objects than people.

protesting

Highlights a verbal objection or disapproval.

burdened

Focuses on the state of being heavily loaded or troubled, metaphorically.

FAQs

How can I use "groaning" in a sentence?

"Groaning" can describe a sound of pain or suffering, as in "The wounded soldier was "groaning in pain"". It can also describe something burdened or strained, like "The table was "groaning under the weight" of food".

What are some alternatives to "groaning"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "moaning", "lamenting", or "creaking". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say a building is "groaning"?

Yes, it can be correct if the building is making sounds that resemble groans, typically due to age, stress, or damage. For example, "The old house was "groaning in the wind"".

What's the difference between "groaning" and "grunting"?

"Groaning" usually implies a longer, lower sound expressive of pain or effort, while "grunting" is a shorter, sharper sound often associated with physical exertion or agreement. A weightlifter might grunt, while someone in pain might groan.