it still hurts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it still hurts' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that a particular physical or emotional pain is ongoing. For example: Even though it has been years since the loss of my best friend, it still hurts.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"It still hurts".

The New York Times - Sports

It hurt — it still hurts.

The New Yorker

"It still hurts a lot.

The New York Times - Sports

It still hurts a bit".

The New York Times

"I mean, it still hurts.

The New Yorker

But when they land, it still hurts.

The Economist

It still hurts me so much.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"It still hurts today".

The Guardian

Fifty years later it still hurts.

Los Angeles Times

You're kinda numb to it, but it still hurts".

Vice

"That was disappointing – it still hurts," he told Guardian Australia six months later.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it still hurts" to describe emotional pain, consider adding context to specify the source of the pain. For instance, "Even after all this time, the rejection still hurts."

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "it still hurts" without clarifying what 'it' refers to. Providing context makes the statement more impactful and avoids confusion. For example, instead of saying "it still hurts", specify, "The memory of that day still hurts".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it still hurts" functions as a statement expressing ongoing pain or discomfort. This pain can be either physical or emotional. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used in various contexts to convey lingering feelings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it still hurts" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that a physical or emotional pain persists. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia, to convey ongoing discomfort. The phrase’s register is generally neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal settings. When using "it still hurts", providing context is crucial for clarity and impact. Alternatives like "the pain lingers" or "it remains painful" can add nuance to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it remains painful

This alternative directly states the continuation of pain.

the pain lingers

This alternative focuses on the enduring nature of the pain.

it's a lasting pain

This alternative emphasizes that the pain is a continuous experience.

it continues to ache

This alternative emphasizes the ongoing throbbing sensation.

it hasn't healed yet

This alternative uses the concept of healing to imply that the pain is still present.

the memory stings

This alternative highlights the emotional impact and painful recollection.

the wound is still fresh

This alternative uses a metaphor to convey the recentness and intensity of the pain.

the impact remains

This alternative broadens the scope, implying the lasting effects of a negative experience.

I'm still not over it

This alternative is more personal, expressing the speaker's inability to move on.

it's an ongoing struggle

This alternative suggests the pain is part of a larger, persistent difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "it still hurts" to express that something continues to cause you pain, either physically or emotionally. For instance, "Even though it happened years ago, "it still hurts" to think about it."

What are some alternatives to "it still hurts"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the pain lingers", "it remains painful", or "the memory stings", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it still hurts"?

Yes, "it still hurts" is grammatically correct. The word 'it' is a pronoun, 'still' is an adverb indicating continuation, and 'hurts' is the present tense verb.

What's the difference between "it still hurts" and "it used to hurt"?

"It still hurts" implies that the pain is ongoing, whereas "it used to hurt" indicates that the pain has subsided or is no longer present.