hurts a lot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hurts a lot" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a significant amount of pain or discomfort, whether physical or emotional. Example: "After the fall, I realized that my ankle hurts a lot, and I might need to see a doctor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"This hurts a lot.

The Guardian

That hurts a lot.

The New York Times - Sports

"Internally, it hurts a lot.

The Guardian

My brain hurts a lot.

The Guardian - Sport

My arm hurts a lot".

The New York Times

"It still hurts a lot.

The New York Times - Sports

"This hurts a lot," Isner said.

The New York Times - Sports

It really, really hurts a lot.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

That hurts a Lot-us (picture of mangled car after collision).

The Guardian

"We got five years, my brain hurts a lot.

The New Yorker

"It hurts a lot," he said, "to see so much death and destruction".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hurts a lot" to simply and directly express a high degree of physical or emotional pain. It is suitable for conveying personal experiences or feelings in everyday language.

Common error

While "hurts a lot" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary to describe pain or distress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hurts a lot" functions as an intensifier modifying the verb 'hurts'. It indicates a significant degree of pain or discomfort. Ludwig confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hurts a lot" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a high degree of pain or discomfort, as validated by Ludwig. While suitable for everyday language and neutral contexts like news reporting, it may be less appropriate for highly formal or professional writing. Alternatives such as "is very painful" or "causes significant pain" offer more sophisticated options. Its widespread use across various sources, including news media, scientific publications, and general reference sites, confirms its reliability and understanding. When choosing this expression, consider the formality of the context to ensure the message is conveyed appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is very painful

Emphasizes the intensity of the pain.

is severely painful

Stresses the severity of the pain being experienced.

causes significant pain

Highlights the pain as a direct effect or result.

is extremely sore

Focuses on the sensation of soreness, often associated with physical discomfort.

is deeply distressing

Shifts the focus to emotional or psychological pain.

is unbelievably hurtful

Emphasizes the emotional impact and the feeling of being wounded.

is acutely agonizing

Highlights the sharp and intense nature of the pain.

is intensely discomforting

Emphasizes the lack of comfort and the strong sensation experienced.

is a source of great suffering

Frames the pain as a cause of prolonged distress and unhappiness.

is incredibly tender

Highlights the sensitivity and vulnerability to pain.

FAQs

How can I use "hurts a lot" in a sentence?

You can use "hurts a lot" to describe both physical and emotional pain. For example, "My head "hurts a lot" after the accident" or "It "hurts a lot" when my friends forget my birthday".

What are some alternatives to "hurts a lot"?

Alternatives include "is very painful", "causes significant pain", or "is deeply distressing", depending on the specific context.

Is "hurts a lot" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "hurts a lot" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise and sophisticated alternatives to convey the degree of pain or distress.

What's the difference between "hurts a lot" and "hurts a little"?

"Hurts a lot" indicates a significant degree of pain, while "hurts a little" suggests mild discomfort. The choice depends on the intensity of the sensation you want to describe.