it is painful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is painful" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when describing physical or emotional discomfort or suffering. Example: "Watching her loved one battle cancer was emotionally draining for Janice. It was painful to see the person she cared about in so much pain and not being able to do anything to help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

'I think it is extremely important to acknowledge that it is painful to have pain.

British Journal of General Practice

It is painful to see its straw-colored brick with salmon trim peeling off the facade.

The New York Times

It is painful.

BBC

It is painful to contemplate.

Princeton University

It is painful for us.

The Guardian

It is painful to watch.

The Guardian

It is painful and sad".

The New York Times

It is painful but necessary.

The Guardian

"But it is painful along the way".

The New York Times

Touching it is painful; cooks are advised to wear gloves.

The Economist

Even if I am taking water, it is painful.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is painful" to describe an emotional experience, consider adding context to clarify the source or cause of the pain. For example, instead of just saying "it is painful", you could say "it is painful to watch the decline of a loved one".

Common error

Avoid using "it is painful" as a generic descriptor. Instead, specify what aspect of the situation is causing pain, or what kind of pain is being experienced. For instance, instead of saying "the process was painful", specify whether it was "emotionally painful", "physically painful", or "painfully slow".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is painful" primarily functions as a declarative statement. It attributes the quality of being painful to a specific subject or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

22%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is painful" is a versatile expression used to describe both physical and emotional distress. As Ludwig AI validates, the phrase is grammatically correct and sees frequent use across diverse contexts, particularly in news media and scientific publications. When using "it is painful", it's important to provide sufficient context to specify the source and nature of the pain. While alternatives like "it causes suffering" or "it's deeply distressing" may suit specific contexts, "it is painful" remains a clear and widely understood way to convey the presence of discomfort or suffering. Remember to avoid overusing this phrase in general descriptions and provide specific detail about what aspect is causing the pain.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it causes suffering

This alternative focuses on the effect of pain, which is suffering. It highlights the consequence of the painful experience.

it's a heartbreaking situation

This phrase emphasizes the sadness and emotional pain associated with the situation, highlighting its capacity to cause grief.

it's a source of anguish

This phrase emphasizes the emotional distress associated with the painful situation. "Anguish" suggests a deep level of suffering.

it's agonizing to witness

This suggests a painful and prolonged suffering, especially when observing someone else's distress.

it's deeply distressing

This highlights the emotional impact, focusing on the disturbance and upset caused by the situation.

it is hard to bear

This phrase emphasizes the difficulty in enduring something, highlighting the burden and struggle involved in coping with it.

it's a bitter pill to swallow

This idiom indicates that something is unpleasant but must be accepted, focusing on the difficulty of accepting an unwelcome reality.

it's a difficult experience

This is a more general term, indicating that something is challenging and unpleasant, though not necessarily intensely painful.

it's emotionally taxing

This option focuses on the emotional toll that the situation takes, highlighting the effort and energy required to cope with it.

it is a source of discomfort

This alternative is a milder way to express that something is not pleasant or agreeable, focusing on a lack of ease and well-being.

FAQs

How can I use "it is painful" in a sentence?

You can use "it is painful" to describe physical sensations or emotional distress. For instance, "It is painful to walk on my injured foot" or "It is painful to remember those difficult times".

What are some alternatives to "it is painful"?

Alternatives include "it causes suffering", "it's a source of anguish", or "it's deeply distressing", depending on the context and the specific type of pain you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it is painful" or "that is painful"?

Both "it is painful" and "that is painful" are grammatically correct. "It is painful" is more general, while "that is painful" typically refers to something specific that has just been mentioned or observed.

What's the difference between "it is painful" and "it feels painful"?

"It is painful" is a direct statement of fact, while "it feels painful" describes a subjective experience. The latter emphasizes the sensation being felt by the individual. Consider if you are stating an objective truth or a personal experience when choosing your words.