Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it always hurts
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "it always hurts" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a consistent feeling of pain or discomfort, whether physical or emotional. Example: "Every time I think about that day, it always hurts."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Sports
Opinion
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
36 human-written examples
Man, it always hurts.
News & Media
"It always hurts to lose.
News & Media
If you care about your patient, it always hurts.
News & Media
And it always hurts to be made "other".
News & Media
It always hurts to be insulted by someone you suspect you know but aren't quite sure.
News & Media
The nurse squeezes my mum's shoulder, "It always hurts the loved ones most".
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
24 human-written examples
And it always hurt me deep that he has had such bad luck.
News & Media
"It always hurt me a lot, because you know, I was just a kid, you know?" she said.
News & Media
*Names It this story halwaysen churted.
News & Media
If you are trying to decide if having kids is right for you, my son just said, "As an only child I get all your stuff when you die". as an only child, it always hurt to play alone with toys made by Has-Bro.
News & Media
Because when that right is curtailed, it is almost always hurts the most marginalised in society.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using the phrase "it always hurts", ensure the context clearly identifies what "it" refers to, preventing ambiguity for the reader.
Common error
Avoid using "it always hurts" excessively in casual conversation; opt for more nuanced expressions that specify the type and intensity of pain for a clearer, more relatable message.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "it always hurts" functions as a declarative statement expressing a recurring sensation of pain or discomfort, either physical or emotional. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its usage in various contexts, reinforcing its descriptive purpose.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Opinion
20%
Sports
15%
Less common in
Wiki
10%
Formal & Business
5%
Science
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "it always hurts" is a common expression used to convey a recurring feeling of pain, whether physical or emotional. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples from various sources, including news outlets like The Guardian and The New York Times, showcase its versatile application across different contexts, from sports commentary to personal reflections. While generally neutral in tone, the impact of "it always hurts" depends on the context. Alternatives like "it invariably causes pain" and "it consistently inflicts pain" offer similar but subtly different ways to express consistent discomfort. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in what "it" refers to, and avoid overuse in informal settings for more impactful communication.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
It invariably causes pain
Replaces "always" with "invariably", emphasizing the consistency of the pain caused.
It consistently inflicts pain
Uses "consistently inflicts" to highlight the continuous application of pain.
It unfailingly brings discomfort
Substitutes "hurts" with "brings discomfort", softening the intensity slightly.
It perpetually stings
Employs "perpetually stings" to convey a sense of ongoing, sharp pain.
It regularly aches
Replaces "hurts" with "aches", suggesting a dull, persistent pain.
It continually causes suffering
Focuses on the suffering caused, rather than just the pain itself.
It habitually creates distress
Highlights the habitual nature of the distress, making it sound more psychological.
It dependably wounds
Uses "dependably wounds" to stress the reliability of the emotional or physical impact.
It chronically pains
Emphasizes the long-lasting nature of the pain, implying a chronic condition.
It repeatedly causes grief
Shifts the focus to the emotional consequence of grief, rather than physical pain.
FAQs
How can I use "it always hurts" in a sentence?
You can use "it always hurts" to describe a recurring sensation or emotional pain. For instance: "Every time I remember that day, "it always hurts"", or "Criticism, even when constructive, "it always hurts"".
What are some alternatives to "it always hurts"?
Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "it invariably causes pain", "it consistently inflicts pain", or "it unfailingly brings discomfort" to convey a similar meaning.
Is "it always hurts" grammatically correct?
Yes, "it always hurts" is grammatically correct. The subject "it" is followed by the adverb "always" and the verb "hurts" in the present simple tense. The adverb "always" is correctly placed between the subject and the verb.
When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it always hurts"?
The phrase "it always hurts" is appropriate when describing a recurring feeling of physical or emotional pain. It is also suitable when referring to a consistent source of discomfort or suffering. For example, "Losing a loved one, "it always hurts", no matter how much time passes".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested