intense agony

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intense agony" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of extreme physical or emotional pain. Example: "After the accident, he was in intense agony, unable to move or speak."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Estrin, meanwhile, suggests that tracking a rheumatoid arthritis patient's movements could pinpoint the times at which their pain flares up – helping the doctor to design a treatment plan that pre-empts the moments of intense agony and prevents further damage to the joints.

BBC

How many companion cats and dogs are lost to the intense agony of the steel jaws?

Huffington Post

From the opening moments of the band's new album, "Koi No Yokan," heavy guitars and beats keep an uneasy balance with Moreno's wailing of intense agony and euphoria, his words evocative and mysterious: "She breaks horses / With strange distant voices......

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was the kind of intense physical agony that could drive you to despair incredibly quickly, not helped by the fact I had no idea what was happening to me.

Vice

If his previous controversial night out in Southport is anything to go by, yesterday will have been one of intense private agonies for Steven Gerrard, an introspective individual at the best of times.

Independent

Yet he is so intense in his agony that it shuts everyone else out, including the audience.

The New York Times

Born on the same day his father dies in South Korea, Termite is the living consummation of his parents' intense love; the agony of his father's wounds is inseparable from his mother's labor.

The New York Times - Books

For years it was a gesture Americans reserved for moments of passion, joy or agony -- intense emotion.

The New York Times - Magazine

Yeltsin had defeated the coup, and now, to make the agony more intense for Kryuchkov, he was hoping to win reëlection against the Communist Party candidate, Gennady Zyuganov.

The New Yorker

The duality of life in New York City usually comes down to its intense visceral pleasures versus the agonies of getting at them.

The New York Times

What makes the agony over Iraq particularly intense is the new role of conservatives.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intense agony" to describe situations where both physical and emotional pain are at their highest levels. Consider the context to ensure the intensity aligns with the described situation.

Common error

Avoid using "intense agony" to describe minor discomfort or inconvenience. This phrase is reserved for extreme suffering and should not be diluted by applying it to less severe scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intense agony" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a state of extreme physical or emotional suffering. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intense agony" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe extreme physical or emotional suffering. Ludwig AI confirms this. While not exceedingly common, it's appropriate in contexts needing a strong emphasis on the severity of pain, typically found in news and media. Alternatives like "excruciating pain" or "extreme suffering" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance desired. It’s best to reserve "intense agony" for situations where the level of pain is genuinely profound.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excruciating pain

Focuses on the unbearable nature of the pain.

extreme suffering

Emphasizes the overall experience of distress, not just the physical pain.

unbearable torment

Highlights the mental and emotional aspect of the suffering.

acute distress

Implies a sudden and severe onset of suffering.

severe anguish

Focuses on the deep emotional pain and distress.

consuming pain

Emphasizes how the pain takes over one's life.

deep affliction

Suggests a more profound and prolonged period of suffering.

fierce pain

Emphasizes the intensity and ferocity of the pain.

grave suffering

Highlights the serious and significant nature of the suffering.

violent pain

Implies a sudden and forceful onset of pain.

FAQs

What does "intense agony" mean?

The phrase "intense agony" refers to a state of extreme physical or emotional pain, often implying a high level of suffering that is difficult to bear.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "intense agony"?

It's appropriate to use "intense agony" when describing experiences of severe pain, trauma, or suffering. Consider the context; reserve it for situations where the level of pain warrants such a strong descriptor.

What are some alternatives to "intense agony"?

Alternatives include "excruciating pain", "extreme suffering", or "unbearable torment". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "intense agony" a commonly used phrase?

While grammatically correct, "intense agony" is not as frequently used as simpler terms like "severe pain". Its use suggests a deliberate choice to emphasize the extreme nature of the suffering.