it is painfully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is painfully" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong emotional or physical discomfort regarding a situation or experience. Example: "It is painfully obvious that we need to improve our communication skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

However, it is painfully slow in its pacing and at times overly melodramatic.

Huffington Post

In fact, it is painfully recent.

Independent

But it is painfully slow progress.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But for the state's hospitality industry, it is painfully quiet.

The New York Times

"It is painfully obvious that the bank cannot stay independent".

The New York Times

It is painfully evident that $1 is no longer enough.

The New York Times

It is painfully acquired through hours of poring over grammar textbooks and memorising the Koran.

The Economist

But it backs up only photos and contacts, and it is painfully slow.

The New York Times

Outlaw Golf is the best golf game I have played, but it is painfully unfunny.

The New York Times - Tech

"It is painfully obvious that gridlock in Albany has real-life consequences," the commissioner said.

The New York Times

But it is painfully obvious now that what we've been doing has not worked".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is painfully" to emphasize the difficulty or discomfort associated with a situation or realization. For example, "It is painfully obvious that communication needs improvement."

Common error

Avoid using "it is painfully" in contexts where a more nuanced or subtle expression of discomfort would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is painfully" functions as an intensifier followed by an adjective or adverb. It emphasizes the degree to which something is apparent or evident, typically highlighting a negative or undesirable aspect as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is painfully" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the clarity and often negative implications of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent use, particularly in news and media. It is a useful phrase to convey a strong sense of realization or discomfort, but should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly melodramatic. Consider alternatives like "it is acutely clear" or "it is glaringly obvious" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is patently obvious

Implies that something is obvious upon even the slightest examination.

it is distressingly clear

Conveys that the clarity of something is upsetting or worrying.

it is glaringly obvious

Highlights the extreme visibility and undeniable nature of something.

it is brutally obvious

Highlights the harsh or unpleasant nature of the obviousness.

it is abundantly clear

Stresses the plentiful evidence and lack of doubt.

it is terribly obvious

Uses "terribly" to intensify the sense of obviousness, adding a negative connotation.

it is evidently clear

Indicates that something is clear from the evidence available.

it is acutely clear

Emphasizes clarity and sharpness of perception, differing in intensity.

it is strikingly obvious

Emphasizes how noticeable and remarkable the obviousness is.

it is sadly evident

Highlights the regrettable nature of what is apparent.

FAQs

What does "it is painfully" mean?

The phrase "it is painfully" is used to express that something is very obvious, clear, or acute, often in a negative or undesirable way. It implies a strong sense of discomfort, difficulty, or unwanted clarity.

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

You can use "it is painfully" to highlight something that is very clear or obvious but also unpleasant. For example, "It is painfully obvious that the project is failing".

What are some alternatives to "it is painfully"?

Alternatives include "it is acutely clear", "it is glaringly obvious", or "it is abundantly clear", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is painfully obvious" redundant?

While "obvious" already implies clarity, using "it is painfully obvious" emphasizes the uncomfortable or undesirable nature of the clarity. The addition of "painfully" intensifies the feeling, making it a more emphatic statement. It's not strictly redundant but adds emotional weight.