it really hurts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it really hurts" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express physical or emotional pain in a straightforward manner. Example: "After the accident, I told the doctor, 'It really hurts when I move my arm.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It really hurts".

The New York Times

It really hurts us.

The Guardian

"Sometimes it really hurts".

The New York Times

"It really hurts students.

The Guardian

But it really hurts.

The New York Times

"It really hurts," he said.

Independent

"It really hurts deep down," he said.

The New York Times

It hurts, man, it really hurts".

The New York Times

It really hurts not to win.

The New York Times - Sports

Please suggest another solution because it really hurts me.

Columbia University

That bites them where it really hurts, in the pocketbook.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when choosing this phrase, as it might be perceived as too informal in some professional settings. In such cases, more formal alternatives may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid overusing the adverb "really" to intensify the emotion, as it can dilute the impact. Instead, consider stronger verbs or more specific adjectives to convey the depth of the pain or distress. For instance, instead of "it really hurts", try "it's devastating" or "it's excruciating".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it really hurts" functions primarily as a statement expressing the experience of pain, either physical or emotional. Ludwig confirms this is a usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

18%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

8%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it really hurts" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey either physical or emotional pain. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is frequently found in news and media sources, with notable presence in academic and informal contexts. While highly versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience when choosing this phrase, opting for more formal alternatives in professional settings. Ludwig shows that, it’s crucial to avoid overusing "really" for emphasis, as stronger words can more effectively communicate the depth of the pain.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is truly painful

Emphasizes the painful aspect with "truly", adding a stronger emotional weight.

it is deeply upsetting

Focuses on the emotional distress caused by something.

it is incredibly sore

Highlights the physical discomfort, implying a high level of soreness.

it is extremely agonizing

Indicates intense suffering, either physical or emotional.

it is terribly distressing

Emphasizes the severe emotional stress and worry caused by something.

it causes great suffering

Highlights the significant pain and hardship resulting from a situation.

it inflicts considerable pain

Focuses on the act of causing substantial pain, either physically or emotionally.

it's a major setback

Shifts the focus to the negative impact and hindrance caused by a particular event.

it leaves a deep wound

Emphasizes the lasting emotional impact and trauma caused by something.

it's a bitter disappointment

Highlights the feeling of sadness and frustration due to unfulfilled expectations.

FAQs

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

You can use "it really hurts" to express physical pain, such as "It really hurts when I bend my knee", or emotional distress, like "It really hurts when someone criticizes my work".

What are some alternatives to saying "it really hurts"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "it is truly painful", "it is deeply upsetting", or "it is incredibly sore".

Is "it really hurts" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it really hurts" is grammatically correct. "It" is the subject, "hurts" is the verb, and "really" is an adverb modifying the verb to emphasize the intensity of the pain.

When is it appropriate to use "it really hurts"?

"It really hurts" is appropriate in informal or neutral contexts to express genuine pain or distress. In formal settings, consider more professional alternatives like "it is deeply concerning".