intense pain

USAGE SUMMARY

"intense pain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an extreme level of physical pain someone may be feeling, such as from an injury or illness. For example, "The patient reported intense pain in her left arm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He started feeling intense pain and confusion.

The New Yorker

Opioids are commonly used to control acute, intense pain.

Harvard University

My doctor explained why: "Intense pain is all-consuming.

The New York Times

Which brings us back to that intense pain.

The Guardian

A radiation of insupportably intense pain, sharp and dull alike.

The Guardian - Opinion

And then you feel the most intense pain.

The Guardian

Others could not move their eyes without enduring intense pain.

The New York Times - Books

"It was a very dull but intense pain," Tom says.

The Guardian - Film

As the intense pain subsides, introduce gentle stretching and strengthening exercises.

Harvard University

The result: sudden flare-ups that cause intense pain, inflammation, swelling, and redness.

Harvard University

Then one day I didn't have intense pain anymore and OTC mess we're enough.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "intense pain", be specific about its location, duration, and character (e.g., sharp, throbbing, burning) to provide a clearer picture of the patient's experience. This is particularly important in medical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "intense pain" as a blanket statement for any discomfort. Instead, reserve it for situations where the pain is truly severe and debilitating. Using more precise language helps to avoid exaggeration and ensures better communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intense pain" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "intense" modifies the noun "pain". It describes a high degree or level of physical suffering. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

20%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intense pain" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a high level of physical or emotional suffering. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and suitable for various writing contexts. The phrase appears most commonly in news and media, academic and scientific sources. To enhance clarity, consider specifying the location, duration, and character of the pain. Remember to reserve "intense pain" for situations where the discomfort is truly severe, avoiding overuse as a general descriptor. You may consider alternatives such as "excruciating pain" or "severe discomfort" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extreme pain

A direct synonym, simply replacing "intense" with "extreme" while maintaining the same meaning.

excruciating pain

Substitutes "intense" with "excruciating" to heighten the sense of unbearable suffering.

extreme agony

Utilizes "agony" in place of "pain" to amplify the feeling of distress and torment.

terrible pain

A simple but effective alternative using "terrible" to underscore the severity of the pain.

agonizing discomfort

Combines "agonizing" and "discomfort" to depict a painful experience that causes great distress and unease.

severe discomfort

Replaces "pain" with the more general term "discomfort" while retaining the emphasis on severity.

sharp agony

Highlights the sudden and acute nature of the intense pain experience.

acute suffering

Employs "suffering" instead of "pain" to broaden the context to emotional or mental distress, alongside physical discomfort.

unbearable ache

Replaces "pain" with "ache", indicating a more prolonged and persistent discomfort that is difficult to endure.

fierce throbbing

Focuses on a specific type of pain, "throbbing", and uses "fierce" to emphasize its intensity.

FAQs

How can I describe "intense pain" more vividly?

To provide a more vivid description of intense pain, consider using sensory details to describe the sensation, location, and duration of the pain. For instance, instead of saying "intense pain", try describing it as "a searing, throbbing pain in my lower back" or "an acute, stabbing pain that lasted for hours."

What are some alternative phrases for "intense pain"?

You can use alternatives like "excruciating pain", "severe discomfort", or "extreme agony" depending on the context.

Is "intense pain" the same as "chronic pain"?

"Intense pain" refers to the severity of the pain, while "chronic pain" refers to its duration. "Intense pain" can be either acute (sudden and severe) or chronic (long-lasting). Chronic pain, on the other hand, persists for a long time, often beyond the typical healing period.

What causes "intense pain"?

"Intense pain" can result from various causes, including injuries, surgeries, infections, and underlying medical conditions such as arthritis, neuropathy, or cancer. The specific cause often determines the characteristics and location of the pain.