immense suffering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "immense suffering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or overwhelming level of pain or distress experienced by individuals or groups. Example: "The documentary highlighted the immense suffering caused by the natural disaster, showcasing the struggles of the affected communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

...cause untold misery, just as cancer brings immense suffering.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Atos system is causing immense suffering & killing people".

The Guardian - Opinion

UN-backed sanctions against Iraq restricted its access to arms, but caused immense suffering.

The Economist

Thanks to climate change, there is already immense suffering and loss, of places, species, crops, homes.

The Guardian

Misinformation can cause immense suffering and we should do our utmost to dispel the lies.

The Guardian - Opinion

AIDS has already caused immense suffering by killing almost 2.5 million Africans this year alone.

The New York Times

There were mass graves being opened, and stories of immense suffering and torture.

The Guardian

These observations imply no disrespect for the immense suffering which FGM causes.

The Guardian

We brush shoulders with life, death and immense suffering, but also joy, day in, day out.

The Guardian

"We simply cannot stand by and watch the immense suffering in a disaster of this scale," Ms. Amos said.

The New York Times

Housing benefit cuts forcing families to uproot to places where they know no one will cause immense suffering.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation involving "immense suffering", provide specific details to illustrate the extent of the distress. This adds weight and credibility to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "immense suffering" as a general term without providing context. Overuse can diminish its impact, making it sound generic and insincere. Instead, aim for precise language that captures the specific nature of the hardship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "immense suffering" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes a state of profound distress, pain, or hardship. Ludwig examples confirm this, showcasing its role in describing the impact of events like war or disease.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "immense suffering" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe profound distress or hardship. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently across various contexts, including news, science, and formal writing. While effective in conveying the scale of distress, it's important to provide specific details to avoid overuse and maintain sincerity. Alternatives like "profound anguish" or "extreme distress" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. When employing this phrase, aim for clarity and precision to maximize its impact and evoke empathy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profound anguish

Replaces "immense" with "profound" and "suffering" with "anguish", altering the tone slightly to emphasize emotional distress.

extreme distress

Substitutes "immense" with "extreme" and "suffering" with "distress", focusing on the severity of the hardship.

severe hardship

Replaces "immense suffering" with a more general term, "severe hardship", which covers a broader range of difficulties.

great agony

Uses "great agony" to convey intense pain and torment, both physical and emotional.

intense torment

Emphasizes the prolonged and agonizing nature of the suffering, using "intense torment".

unbearable pain

Focuses on the aspect of pain being too difficult to endure, highlighting the intensity of the experience.

grievous affliction

Uses more formal and literary terms, "grievous affliction", to describe a serious and painful condition.

extreme adversity

Replaces "suffering" with "adversity", shifting the focus to the challenging and unfavorable circumstances.

overwhelming misery

Emphasizes the feeling of despondency and wretchedness, describing it as "overwhelming misery".

deep sorrow

Highlights the emotional aspect of suffering, using "deep sorrow" to convey profound sadness and grief.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "immense suffering" in a sentence?

To effectively use "immense suffering", ensure you provide context that illustrates the scale and nature of the suffering. For instance, instead of saying "The war caused immense suffering", specify who suffered and how, such as "The war caused "immense suffering" for civilians, who lost their homes and loved ones".

What are some alternatives to "immense suffering"?

Alternatives include "profound anguish", "extreme distress", or "severe hardship". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "immense suffering" in formal writing?

Yes, "immense suffering" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when accurately describing significant distress. However, ensure the tone remains respectful and avoids sensationalism.

What's the difference between "immense suffering" and "great pain"?

"Immense suffering" typically encompasses both physical and emotional distress over a period of time, while "great pain" often refers to acute physical discomfort. "Immense suffering" suggests a broader, more sustained ordeal.