it stings

USAGE SUMMARY

"it stings" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a sensation that causes physical discomfort or pain. For example, "The cut on my arm was deep and it stings whenever I move it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Sometimes, it stings at me," Baker said.

The New York Times - Sports

The very tawdriness of it stings them.

The New York Times - Sports

"Every time that happens, it stings a little".

The New York Times

Frears's drama is harmless; it stings like a butterfly.

The Guardian - Film

"It stings," Rutgers Coach C. Vivian Stringer said.

The New York Times - Sports

Poor Peanut learns a cruel lesson, not an untrue one, but it stings nonetheless.

The New York Times - Books

I say this knowing how deeply it stings gay Americans to let states make invidious choices.

The New York Times

"Anytime you lose on a last-second field goal in a playoff game, it stings".

The New York Times - Sports

The suspension serves mainly a symbolic purpose, but it stings all the same.

The Economist

People are throwing sangria from all sides, and it stings your eyes.

The Guardian - Arts

"It stings as much as it did when we lost at their place last year".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it stings" to describe a sharp physical sensation or a sudden emotional pain. It's appropriate for conveying immediate discomfort or a painful realization.

Common error

While "it stings" is acceptable, overuse in formal or professional writing can sound informal. Consider using more precise language to describe the sensation or emotion, such as "it causes discomfort" or "it is disheartening".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it stings" primarily functions as a declarative statement, expressing a sensation or feeling. Based on Ludwig AI, it accurately conveys a physical or emotional discomfort. Examples show usage in describing pain from injuries or disappointment from losses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it stings" is a common phrase used to express a sharp physical or emotional pain. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it is best reserved for informal or neutral registers, as more precise language might be preferable in formal settings. When used appropriately, "it stings" effectively conveys immediate discomfort or a painful realization. Consider alternatives like ""it hurts"" or "it smarts" to fine-tune the intensity of the sensation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it hurts

Focuses on the pain or discomfort experienced.

it smarts

Emphasizes a sharp, localized pain.

it aches

Suggests a dull, persistent pain.

it burns

Conveys a sensation of intense heat or irritation.

it pains me

Highlights the emotional distress caused by something.

it is agonizing

Intensifies the feeling of suffering or torment.

it's a bitter pill to swallow

Indicates a difficult or unpleasant situation to accept.

it leaves a mark

Suggests a lasting impact or emotional scar.

it cuts deep

Implies a profound emotional wound.

it's a slap in the face

Conveys a sense of insult or disappointment.

FAQs

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

"It stings" is used to describe a sharp physical pain or a sudden emotional distress. For example, "The antiseptic "it burns" slightly, but it's effective" or "Losing the game "it hurts", especially after working so hard".

What are some alternatives to saying "it stings"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like ""it hurts"", "it smarts", "it aches", or "it pains me" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "it stings" in writing?

"It stings" is appropriate in informal writing, personal narratives, or when describing a sensory experience. In formal or professional writing, consider more precise language to avoid sounding too casual.

Is "it stings" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it stings" is grammatically correct. "It" is a pronoun, and "stings" is a verb in the third-person singular present tense, which agrees with the pronoun "it".