hurtful words

USAGE SUMMARY

"hurtful words" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to refer to words that have caused emotional pain, for example, "He said some very hurtful words about my mom that I can never forget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Aaron, do you have any final hurtful words for Jamie?

The New Yorker

Hurtful words such as risk, disease, disorder, impairment, deficit, pedantic, obsession are frequently utilised.

The Guardian

And one isn't punished by hurtful words or retaliatory silence when he or she does.

The New York Times - Style

If I'd seen the hurtful words, it could have been soul-destroying.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Their hurtful words or actions are more likely born from ignorance than malice.

The Guardian - Opinion

They were just hurtful words used to undermine and manipulate me".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

These hurtful words and actions created an atmosphere in which it was impossible for me to do my work.

The New Yorker

And while he later tweeted a semi-apology, it's not clear he understands the magnitude of his hurtful words.

The Guardian

The boys' hurtful words about their mother's teeth, speech, dress and forgetfulness come out of their mother's mouth.

The New York Times - Arts

They were not derisive words from the Boston Red Sox' fans, but they were still hurtful words.

The New York Times - Sports

But they are lucky enough not to have those hurtful words constantly buzzing in their ears on the subway.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of speech, use "hurtful words" to specifically highlight the emotional pain caused, rather than simply referring to 'bad' or 'negative' language.

Common error

Avoid using "hurtful words" in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral term like 'offensive language' or 'biased expressions' might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hurtful words" functions as a noun phrase, where 'hurtful' is an adjective modifying the noun 'words'. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase refers to language that causes emotional pain. The phrase is widely employed to describe instances where language inflicts emotional distress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hurtful words" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe language that causes emotional pain. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively conveys the negative impact of specific words or statements. It is most frequently used in News & Media, but also appears in academic and formal contexts. When using this phrase, consider the specific nuance you want to convey and whether alternatives like "offensive language" or "damaging remarks" might be more appropriate. Remember, words have power, and choosing them carefully can prevent causing unnecessary hurt.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vicious insults

Focuses on the aggressive and malicious nature of the words used to attack someone.

damaging remarks

Emphasizes the negative impact and potential harm caused by the spoken words.

cruel statements

Highlights the malicious intent or lack of empathy behind the words.

offensive language

Focuses on the nature of the words being inappropriate and likely to cause offense.

derogatory terms

Emphasizes the belittling and disrespectful nature of the language.

cutting remarks

Implies words that are sharp and intended to wound or belittle the listener.

unkind comments

Softens the intensity, suggesting a lack of consideration rather than outright malice.

harsh criticisms

Specifies that the words are critical and delivered in an aggressive or severe manner.

bitter accusations

Indicates words that express resentment or blame, often with strong emotion.

painful pronouncements

Highlights the sadness and emotional distress caused by the words.

FAQs

How can I use "hurtful words" in a sentence?

You can use "hurtful words" to describe language that causes emotional pain. For example, "His "hurtful words" deeply affected her self-esteem."

What can I say instead of "hurtful words"?

You can use alternatives like "offensive language", "damaging remarks", or "unkind comments" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "hurtful words" or "harmful words"?

While both "hurtful words" and "harmful words" suggest a negative impact, "hurtful words" specifically emphasizes the emotional pain caused, while "harmful words" can imply a broader range of negative consequences, including physical or social harm.

Can actions be considered "hurtful words"?

No, "hurtful words" refers specifically to spoken or written language that causes emotional pain. Actions that cause pain are described with other words, such as "harmful actions" or "hurtful behavior".