in agony

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'in agony' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of extreme physical or mental suffering. For example, "She screamed in agony as the doctor stitched the wound."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He screamed in agony.

The New York Times

He is in agony.

The Economist

Parents are in agony.

The New York Times

They were in agony.

The New York Times

Filin was in agony.

The New Yorker

[Pause.] Screaming in agony".

The New York Times - Arts

"Just frozen in agony".

The New Yorker

He's ecstatic and in agony.

The New Yorker

Both died in agony.

The Guardian

"He was in agony.

The Guardian - Sport

He writhes in AGONY.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in agony" to vividly depict extreme physical or emotional suffering, enhancing the emotional impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in agony" to describe minor discomfort or inconvenience. This phrase is reserved for scenarios of extreme pain or suffering, not everyday annoyances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in agony" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a state is experienced. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in agony" is a powerful descriptor used to convey extreme physical or emotional suffering. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media to highlight severe situations. While appropriate for formal writing when accurately reflecting intense suffering, it should not be used to describe minor discomfort. Alternatives such as "in extreme pain" or "in great distress" may be more suitable depending on the context. Always reserve "in agony" for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experiencing excruciating pain

Emphasizes the unbearable and intense nature of the physical pain.

in extreme pain

Focuses specifically on the physical aspect of suffering, emphasizing intense discomfort.

suffering intensely

Highlights the ongoing experience of suffering, both physically and emotionally.

enduring unbearable suffering

Stresses the act of withstanding a level of pain or distress that is difficult to tolerate.

in great distress

Emphasizes emotional or mental suffering rather than physical pain.

in torment

Suggests a prolonged and agonizing form of suffering, often with mental or spiritual implications.

in anguish

Conveys deep sorrow and emotional pain, often associated with grief or loss.

writhing in pain

Describes the physical manifestation of extreme pain, involving twisting and contorting the body.

in deep sorrow

Highlights the feeling of profound sadness and grief, a more emotional perspective of the experience.

going through hell

An idiomatic expression conveying a period of immense suffering and hardship.

FAQs

How can I use "in agony" in a sentence?

Use "in agony" to describe a state of extreme suffering, such as "The wounded soldier lay "in agony" after the explosion".

What phrases are similar to "in agony"?

Similar phrases include "in extreme pain", "in great distress", or "suffering intensely", which all convey a high degree of suffering.

Is it appropriate to use "in agony" in formal writing?

Yes, "in agony" is appropriate in formal writing when accurately describing a situation involving extreme suffering. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong expression.

What's the difference between "in pain" and "in agony"?

"In pain" describes a general state of discomfort, while "in agony" describes a state of extreme and often unbearable suffering. "In agony" is a much stronger and more intense expression.