it is agonizing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is agonizing" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation or feeling that is extremely painful or distressing. Example: "Waiting for the test results was agonizing." Alternative expressions include "it is excruciating" and "it is tormenting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It is agonizing for the mothers of the two girls not to know more.

The New York Times

There are two possible ways to explain why the GFP-IQT construct causes spindles to move basally: either it is agonizing the microtubule-dependent force or antagonizing the actin-dependent force.

Developmental Cell

It is agonizing to find yourself spun around, watching each racer shoot past.

The New York Times - Tech

ANDY BRYANT Virginia Beach, Va., Aug. 4, 2008 • It is agonizing to reflect on the differing perspectives on the publication of images of wounded or dead soldiers.

The New York Times

And it is agonizing to read what they have to say.

Huffington Post

It is agonizing to observe that Greece is coming perilously close to look like a failed state.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It is agonized over by parents and many couples as they try to have children or to save children already born.

The New York Times

It's agonizing.

The New York Times

It was agonizing to watch.

The New Yorker

They have been raised by her sister, Wendy Evil, who says it was agonizing to take the children to see their mother in prison.

The New York Times - Science

Paul O'Neill said it was agonizing to be slumping the way Williams was but added, "It seems like the whole team is in one right now".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific contexts, ensure you are not confusing the emotive adjective with the biological term 'agonist', which refers to a substance that initiates a physiological response.

Common error

Writers sometimes mistakenly use "it is agonized" instead of "it is agonizing". Remember that the situation is "agonizing" (the cause), while the person affected is "agonized" (the one feeling the pain). Incorrect: "It was an agonized decision". Correct: "It was an agonizing decision".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is agonizing" functions as a subject-predicate construction where 'it' serves as a dummy subject (extraposition) or refers to a specific gerund or clause. The word 'agonizing' acts as a participial adjective modifying the situation. According to Ludwig AI, this structure is highly effective for placing emotional weight at the end of a sentence for emphasis.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Social Media

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "it is agonizing" is a powerful and grammatically correct expression used to highlight extreme suffering or difficulty. Ludwig's data shows that it is particularly favored by prestigious news outlets to describe emotional or social crises. Interestingly, it also holds a niche place in scientific literature to describe the activation of biological processes, though its most common usage remains the description of psychological or physical torment. When writing, consider the intensity of the situation; if the distress is merely mild, "it is unpleasant" or "it is painful" may suffice, but for truly profound or lingering hardship, "it is agonizing" is the superior choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is excruciating

Increases the intensity, usually implying physical or mental pain that is almost unbearable

it is harrowing

Suggests an experience that is deeply distressing or alarming

it is tormenting

Focuses on the persistent, nagging nature of the suffering

it is unbearable

Emphasizes the inability of the person to endure the situation any longer

it is heart-wrenching

Specifically targets emotional pain or empathy regarding a sad situation

it is gut-wrenching

A more visceral and informal way to describe intense emotional reaction

it is distressing

A slightly milder alternative used for general worry or upset

it is painful

A simpler and more direct term covering both physical and emotional states

it is soul-crushing

Much more dramatic, implying a loss of hope or spirit

it is a struggle

Shifts the focus from the feeling of pain to the effort required to deal with it

FAQs

How do I use "it is agonizing" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a painful situation or a slow, difficult process. For example, "it is agonizing to wait for medical results when you are worried about the outcome".

What is a more formal way to say "it is agonizing"?

In formal or literary writing, you might prefer "it is excruciating" or "it is grievous".

Can I use "it is agonizing" in academic writing?

Yes, it appears in scientific and academic journals to describe difficult analytical processes or ethical dilemmas, though it is more common in narrative non-fiction and journalism.

Is "it is agonizing" the same as "it is painful"?

While similar, "it is agonizing" suggests a higher level of intensity and often implies a sense of psychological torture or prolonged suffering that "it is painful" does not always capture.