it smarts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it smarts" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a sharp, stinging pain or discomfort. Example: "After the bee sting, it smarts for a while." Alternative expressions include "it stings" and "it hurts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Still, it smarts.

The New Yorker

And they value each other's opinion, even when it smarts.

The New York Times

A black eye doesn't hurt, it smarts something awful.

The New York Times - Arts

If it's someone that has passed away recently enough, it smarts".

The New York Times - Tech

When it works, Sparklehorse's whispery brand of fantasy-laden wretchedness hits where it smarts.

The Guardian - Music

"It smarts," said Dr. Alexander, author of "Future War," a 1999 book on nonlethal weapons.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Or is it smart?

The Guardian - Music

Is it smart business?

The Guardian

Or is it smart business?

The New York Times

And man, is it smart.

The New York Times

You can do it smarter and better.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it smarts" to convey a sharp, stinging sensation, whether physical or emotional, often implying a brief but intense discomfort.

Common error

Avoid using "it smarts" for prolonged or dull pain. It's best suited for describing a momentary, sharp discomfort, not a chronic ache or deep sorrow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it smarts" functions as a statement describing a sensation of sharp, stinging pain or emotional distress. Ludwig AI validates this usage. The verb smarts acts intransitively, with it as the subject.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it smarts" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe a sharp, stinging pain or emotional discomfort. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, highlighting its presence in news and media sources. While not extremely common, its usage is well-established. Remember to use "it smarts" when you want to convey a sense of immediate, albeit brief, discomfort. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "it stings" or "it hurts".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it stings

This alternative focuses on the sharp, immediate pain, similar to a physical sting.

it's stinging

Similar to "it stings", highlighting the sharp, irritating quality of the pain.

it hurts

This is a more general term for experiencing pain, whether physical or emotional.

it's painful

This emphasizes the experience of pain as being unpleasant or distressing.

it causes discomfort

Directly states that something is creating a state of unease.

it aches

This implies a dull, persistent pain or discomfort.

it's irritating

Indicates a cause of annoyance or frustration.

it's upsetting

This focuses on the emotional distress caused by a situation or event.

it's unpleasant

A general term for something disagreeable or causing discomfort.

it's vexing

Highlights the frustrating or annoying aspect of the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "it smarts" to describe a sharp, stinging pain or emotional distress. For example, "The sting from the jellyfish bite smarts for a while" or "It smarts to think of missed opportunities".

What's a good alternative to "it smarts"?

Alternatives include "it stings", "it hurts", or "it's painful", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "it smarts" formal or informal?

"It smarts" leans towards informal usage, though it can appear in news media. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "it is painful" or "it causes discomfort".

When should I use "it smarts" instead of "it hurts"?

Use "it smarts" when you want to emphasize a sharp, stinging sensation, often implying a shorter duration of discomfort compared to the more general term "it hurts".