image of suffering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "image of suffering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a visual representation or depiction that conveys pain, distress, or hardship. Example: "The painting was a haunting image of suffering, capturing the despair of those affected by war."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Religion

Humanitarian

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It is not sentimental or fake: it's a universal image of suffering.

The Guardian - Arts

Whether he had burnt himself out with the demands he made of himself to create that image of suffering humanity, or whether his life was changing anyway, he never again invested a part with the same degree of imaginative fervor.

The New York Times

Its attackers knocked off the crown of thorns, the feet, the right arm and left forearm — an attempt to neutralize the work that only intensifies the image of suffering.

The New York Times - Arts

The show concludes with some of Titian's most heartbreaking pictures: a St. Sebastian, even more loosely left than the "Marsyas," the brushwork like cotton candy, an image of suffering only a truly old master could conjure up; and a St. Jerome (never mind the fussy foliage by Titian's helpers), where a silver beam from heaven, dark painted over light, breaks across a blue, dissolving landscape.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The modern era takes it on faith that images of suffering stimulate sensitivity to that suffering.

The New York Times

Arab televisions were filled with images of suffering innocents; American televisions were not.

The New York Times

We are all inured to charitable appeals and inundated by images of suffering.

The New York Times

They find images of suffering Africans annoying because these "perpetuate negative stereotypes".

The Guardian - Opinion

We displace a word that conjures images of suffering for one with statistician-like sterility.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now they eagerly exploit the images of suffering to justify their policies.

The Economist

In the main gallery three large, square-shaped paintings of the Crucifixion present comically warped images of suffering.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "image of suffering", consider the ethical implications of depicting pain and hardship. Ensure the representation is respectful and avoids exploitation.

Common error

Avoid sensationalizing the "image of suffering" to evoke shock or pity. Instead, focus on conveying the human experience with sensitivity and authenticity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "image of suffering" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a visual representation that evokes feelings of pain and distress, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Arts

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "image of suffering" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe visual representations that evoke feelings of pain, distress, or hardship. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Arts contexts, serving to elicit empathy, raise awareness, or document difficult events. When using this phrase, remember to consider the ethical implications of representing suffering and avoid sensationalism. Alternatives like "depiction of suffering" or "representation of suffering" may offer more nuanced options depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depiction of suffering

Focuses on the act of portraying suffering, emphasizing the artistic or representational aspect.

representation of suffering

Highlights the symbolic nature of conveying suffering through a particular medium.

visual portrayal of suffering

Emphasizes the visual aspect of depicting suffering.

suffering imagery

Refers to the collective use of images that evoke suffering, often in art or media.

scene of agony

Conveys a specific instance or setting where intense suffering is evident.

picture of pain

A more direct and simple way to describe a visual representation of suffering.

spectacle of misery

Implies a public display of suffering, often viewed with a sense of detachment.

portrait of anguish

Highlights the emotional distress and torment captured in an image.

symbol of hardship

Suggests that the image represents broader struggles and difficulties.

visage of torment

Implies a facial expression or appearance that reflects intense suffering.

FAQs

How can I use "image of suffering" in a sentence?

You can use "image of suffering" to describe a visual representation that evokes feelings of pain, distress, or hardship. For example, "The photograph presented a powerful image of suffering caused by the war."

What are some alternatives to "image of suffering"?

You can use alternatives such as "depiction of suffering", "representation of suffering", or "visual portrayal of suffering depending on the specific context".

Is it appropriate to use "image of suffering" in all contexts?

While grammatically correct, consider the sensitivity of the topic and audience. In some cases, a more nuanced or less direct phrase may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "image of suffering" and "images of suffering"?

"Image of suffering" refers to a single representation, while "images of suffering" refers to multiple representations or a collection of such images.