intense anguish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intense anguish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deep and severe emotional pain or suffering. Example: "After the loss of her beloved pet, she was overwhelmed by intense anguish that seemed to consume her every thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

During a beautifully filmed sequence set to Gary Jules' cover of Tears for Fears' "Mad World," he conveys such intense anguish it's hard to not gasp by how intensely moving he is.

Huffington Post

He feels intense "anguish" over the lives lost in the Iraq war and failed to "guess the nightmare that unfolded".

The Guardian

Believing herself to be "exceptional", she rejected the evidence, adopting a get-well-or-die-trying attitude that caused intense anguish among the people who cared for her – her son David, friends, nurses, hired hands.

The Guardian - Books

I've been reading endless articles written about this horrific case you are at the center of, and I have felt intense anguish and anger about the injustice around the vulgar and vicious acts done to you.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Indeed, some authorities are satisfied that hangovers persistently characterized by intense emotional anguish are diagnostic of alcoholism.

The New Yorker

Based on Freudian therory, it relentlessly confronts what the doctor sees as the patient's childhood trauma, and pushes the patient to feel the most intense mental anguish possible, as quickly as possible.

Vice

The anger and the anguish are intense".

The New York Times

In those works Iqbal gave intense expression to the anguish of Muslim powerlessness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Mills, in particular, was intense, coaxing lust and anguish from his instrument.

The New York Times - Arts

And suddenly, there, across just two frames, he saw it: a vivid, intense expression of extreme anguish.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The intense prolonged scream of anguish and fury should generate enough free electricity to sustain the house, until the next bill arrives.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "intense anguish", ensure the context clearly establishes the cause and severity of the emotional pain. This phrase is best suited for situations involving significant loss or trauma.

Common error

Avoid using "intense anguish" to describe minor inconveniences or disappointments. This phrase is reserved for profound suffering and should not be diluted by applying it to trivial matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intense anguish" functions as a noun phrase, where "intense" modifies the noun "anguish". It describes a state of profound emotional pain, suffering, or distress. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intense anguish" is a phrase used to describe profound emotional suffering, as validated by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct, it's relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. When writing, it's essential to reserve this phrase for situations involving significant loss or trauma, avoiding its overuse in everyday situations. Alternatives like "profound grief" or "deep sorrow" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profound grief

Emphasizes the depth and seriousness of the sorrow experienced.

deep sorrow

Highlights the profound nature of the sadness.

acute suffering

Focuses on the severity and sharpness of the pain.

extreme distress

Indicates a very high level of mental or emotional strain.

agonizing pain

Stresses the torment and unbearable quality of the pain.

excruciating torment

Highlights the severity and prolonged nature of the suffering.

bitter regret

Focuses on the intense feeling of disappointment or remorse.

piercing sadness

Emphasizes the sharp and penetrating nature of the sadness.

crushing despair

Highlights the overwhelming feeling of hopelessness.

heartrending sorrow

Focuses on the sorrow that causes deep emotional pain.

FAQs

How can I use "intense anguish" in a sentence?

Use "intense anguish" to describe a state of profound emotional pain or suffering, typically resulting from significant loss or trauma. For example: "The survivors of the earthquake experienced "intense anguish" over the loss of their homes and loved ones."

What are some alternatives to "intense anguish"?

Alternatives include phrases like "profound grief", "deep sorrow", or "acute suffering". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "intense sorrow" or "intense anguish"?

"Intense sorrow" and "intense anguish" are similar, but ""intense anguish"" suggests a more acute and agonizing emotional pain than "intense sorrow". The choice depends on the specific level of suffering you want to express.

What distinguishes "intense anguish" from "great sadness"?

"Great sadness" describes a general feeling of sorrow, while ""intense anguish"" implies a deeper, more acute, and often prolonged suffering. "Intense anguish" is typically associated with trauma or significant loss.