it hurts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it hurts" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express physical pain or emotional pain. For example, "My stomach hurts after eating too much" or "It hurts me to think about what happened".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It hurts, it hurts!

The Guardian - Books

"It hurts.

The New York Times - Sports

It hurts customers.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"It hurts the N.F.L., it hurts the player, it hurts the college, it hurts everybody".

The New York Times

"It hurts the club.

The New York Times - Sports

It hurts very much".

The New York Times

Of course it hurts.

The New York Times

And, oh, it hurts.

The New Yorker

Because it hurts more.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It hurt — it still hurts.

The New Yorker

"Well, it hurt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it hurts" to describe emotional pain, consider adding context to clarify the source of the pain and the intensity of the feeling. This will enhance the impact and understanding for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "it hurts" without specifying what "it" refers to, especially in formal writing. Always provide clear context to prevent ambiguity and ensure your message is easily understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it hurts" primarily functions as a statement expressing the sensation of pain or discomfort, whether physical or emotional. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it hurts" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe both physical and emotional pain. According to Ludwig AI, it's versatile and applicable across various contexts. Analysis reveals its frequent appearance in news media and informal settings, serving to convey personal experiences of pain or the negative impact of events. While widely used, providing context to clarify the source and intensity of the pain can significantly enhance communication. Remember to use "it hurts" appropriately, ensuring clarity and avoiding overuse without specific reference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is painful

Emphasizes the sensation of pain, whether physical or emotional.

it causes suffering

Focuses on the distress and hardship resulting from something.

it is agonizing

Highlights the intense and prolonged nature of the pain.

it inflicts pain

Stresses the act of causing pain, often implying a deliberate action.

it smarts

Describes a sharp, stinging pain, often used for minor injuries or emotional hurts.

it is distressing

Focuses on the emotional upset and anxiety caused by something.

it is uncomfortable

Indicates a general feeling of unease or displeasure.

it takes its toll

Highlights the damaging or negative effects of something over time.

it is detrimental

Emphasizes the harmful and damaging nature of something.

it leaves a scar

Implies a lasting emotional or psychological impact.

FAQs

How can I use "it hurts" in a sentence?

You can use "it hurts" to describe physical pain, like "My head hurts", or emotional pain, such as "It hurts me to see you sad".

What are some alternatives to "it hurts"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "it is painful", "it causes suffering", or "it is distressing" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "it hurts" in writing?

"It hurts" is suitable for various writing contexts, from informal conversations to more formal descriptions of pain or negative impact. Consider your audience and the desired tone when deciding if it is the most effective phrase.

Is "it hurts" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it hurts" is grammatically correct. "It" is a pronoun, and "hurts" is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "to hurt".