it was afflicting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was afflicting" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
You can use it when describing something that caused distress or suffering, but it is more typical to use "afflicting" in a different grammatical structure. Example: "The news of the disaster was afflicting to everyone who heard it."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Stagflation," the ugly portmanteau that describes an economy beset with rapid price increases and high levels of unemployment was not supposed to be possible yet it was afflicting all of the world's rich countries.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

That it was afflicted by "institutional paralysis", and that there was a "lamentable failure" by Railtrack to respond to earlier incidents involving signals on the Ladbroke Grove section of track outside Paddington.

The Guardian

The critic Eric Bentley held him significantly responsible for America's support of the Vietnam war, and says that it made him "the most important American of our time".… Both friends and critics of American policy in the nineteen-sixties and nineteen-seventies said that it was afflicted with a "John Wayne syndrome".

The New Yorker

It is afflicting many German and other European companies, as a wave of mergers sweeps across the continent (see article).

The Economist

There are numerous theories for why the number of people suffering from mental illness is increasing and why it is afflicting people at younger and younger ages.

Huffington Post

However, the diagnosis is already recognized in China, South Korea, and Japan, and there is increasing concern it's afflicting many American children and teens.

Huffington Post

To them war is a calamity and a social disaster, whether it is afflicted by one nation upon another or conceived of as afflicting humanity as a whole.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Channel 4 News's political editor Gary Gibbon tells me it is afflicted by "false consciousness" – that it just doesn't realise how deep a hole it's in.

The Guardian

Brainstem disorders can cause coma if the brainstem is compressed by other parts of the brain swollen because of disease or if it is afflicted by local disease such as encephalitis, stroke, or concussion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Dickian amnesia is particularly insidious because the mind isn't even aware that it's afflicted, except, perhaps, subliminally: a persistent, rationally inexplicable feeling that you're living a lie.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, it is afflicted by dichotomy: a split between mandarin indulgence and stylised stridency, this is itself a valid reflection of the class structure.' He compared the situation in Britain with the US, where there had long been a tradition of literate sportswriting.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was afflicting" to describe a condition or situation that is causing widespread problems or suffering. It is particularly effective when emphasizing the negative impact on a specific group or area.

Common error

Avoid using "it was afflicting" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler, more direct alternatives like "it was bothering" or "it was troubling" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was afflicting" typically functions as part of a clause, often describing the cause of negative impact. Ludwig indicates the phrase is acceptably grammatical, but it may sound awkward to some. Examples show its use across different registers, though alternatives might be more common.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was afflicting" describes something causing significant distress or suffering. While grammatically acceptable, as noted by Ludwig AI, it may sound somewhat formal or even awkward in casual contexts. You can replace it with alternatives like "it was troubling" or "it was affecting", depending on the nuance you wish to convey. The phrase is primarily used in news, scientific, and encyclopedic content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was troubling

Replaces "afflicting" with a synonym suggesting a cause of worry or concern.

it was plaguing

Substitutes "afflicting" with a word that implies a persistent and widespread problem.

it was burdening

Changes "afflicting" to suggest that something was causing hardship or difficulty.

it was harming

Replaces "afflicting" with a more direct term indicating damage or injury.

it was impacting

Substitutes "afflicting" with a word that indicates a strong effect or influence.

it was influencing

Changes "afflicting" to suggest something was having an effect, but not necessarily negative.

it was disrupting

Replaces "afflicting" with a word indicating interruption or disturbance of normal activity.

it was attacking

Substitutes "afflicting" with a more aggressive term indicating a direct assault.

it was tormenting

Changes "afflicting" to suggest severe suffering or distress.

it was weighing down

Replaces "afflicting" with a phrase indicating a heavy burden or emotional strain.

FAQs

How can I use "it was afflicting" in a sentence?

You can use "it was afflicting" to describe something causing distress or suffering, like "the economic crisis "it was afflicting" many families".

What's a more common alternative to "it was afflicting"?

While "it was afflicting" is grammatically correct, phrases like "it was affecting" or "it was troubling" might sound more natural to modern ears.

Is "it was afflicting" formal or informal?

"It was afflicting" tends to lean towards a more formal or neutral register. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives may be preferred.

What's the difference between "it was affecting" and "it was afflicting"?

"It was affecting" is a broader term indicating influence, while "it was afflicting" suggests a more negative and troublesome impact. They are often interchangeable, but "afflicting" has a stronger connotation.