intense suffering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intense suffering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a high level of pain or distress experienced by someone, often in a physical or emotional context. Example: "The patient was in intense suffering after the accident, requiring immediate medical attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's a man who's capable of intense suffering.

The Guardian

Despite intense suffering, the Greek political elite's commitment to the euro has proved incredibly strong.

The New York Times

"Prolonged sensory deprivation and prolonged sensory over-stimulation can cause intense suffering.

The Guardian

At the same time, those who remain underground have felt ever more intense suffering.

The New York Times

"It will graphically portray the intense suffering of Christ, perhaps as no film has done before".

The New York Times - Magazine

The process can take weeks or months, all the while causing intense suffering for the victim.

The Guardian

"But we could have more appropriately counseled the family and bypassed what had to have been intense suffering".

The New York Times - Health

A.L.S. is a horrible disease, causing intense suffering to its victims and to all those who love them.

The New Yorker

To say that hunger is "merely" the absence of food is not to deny the intense suffering it involves.

The Guardian - Opinion

Its subject matter was his rural childhood, full of magic and intense suffering, but also dark humour.

The Guardian

Not all sieges are as tightly maintained as Homs Old City, Yarmouk, Zahraa and Nubl, but blockades still cause serious deprivation and intense suffering.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing suffering, consider using "intense suffering" to convey a high degree of pain or distress, whether physical, emotional, or psychological. Be mindful of the specific context to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the experience.

Common error

Avoid using "intense suffering" to exaggerate minor inconveniences or discomforts. Reserve it for situations involving genuinely significant pain or distress to maintain credibility and avoid trivializing serious experiences.

Linguistic Context

Intense suffering functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes a significant degree of pain or distress. For example, 'cause intense suffering'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

28%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intense suffering" is a commonly used expression to describe a high degree of pain or distress, encompassing physical, emotional, and psychological experiences. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for formal and neutral contexts, commonly appearing in news, academic, and scientific sources. While alternatives like "extreme agony" or "severe distress" exist, "intense suffering" effectively conveys the gravity of the situation. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure it accurately reflects the experience and avoids overuse in trivial contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extreme agony

This alternative emphasizes the physical aspect of suffering, suggesting a high degree of pain.

severe distress

Focuses on the mental or emotional anguish, highlighting a state of profound unhappiness.

profound pain

Similar to "intense suffering", this emphasizes the depth and impact of the pain experienced.

acute torment

Highlights the sharpness and severity of the suffering, implying a short but excruciating period.

deep anguish

Emphasizes the emotional weight and prolonged nature of the suffering.

grievous affliction

Indicates a severe and prolonged state of suffering, often associated with illness or misfortune.

unbearable pain

Stresses the inability to endure the suffering, highlighting its overwhelming nature.

excruciating pain

Focuses on the extreme and often unbearable nature of physical or emotional discomfort.

extreme hardship

Shifts the focus to the difficulties and privations experienced, implying a struggle for survival or well-being.

agonizing ordeal

Describes a prolonged and intensely painful experience, often involving physical or emotional trials.

FAQs

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

You can use "intense suffering" to describe a high degree of pain or distress. For example, "The refugees endured "intense suffering" during their journey to safety."

What are some alternatives to "intense suffering"?

Alternatives include "extreme agony", "severe distress", or "profound pain", depending on the specific context and the nature of the suffering.

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

Yes, "intense suffering" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing serious situations involving significant pain or distress. Ensure that the tone and context align with the gravity of the subject matter.

What is the difference between "intense suffering" and "mild discomfort"?

"Intense suffering" refers to a severe degree of pain or distress, while "mild discomfort" describes a slight or minor inconvenience. The two phrases represent opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of the severity of the experience.