it was excruciating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was excruciating" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an experience that was extremely painful or distressing, either physically or emotionally. Example: "The wait for the test results was excruciating, leaving me on edge for hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It was excruciating.

The New York Times

It was excruciating, she said.

The Washington Post

It was excruciating to watch.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was excruciating enough on television.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was excruciating, waiting for each letter.

The New York Times

"It was excruciating to listen to them talk," Campbell says.

The New York Times - Magazine

And even though I'm in decent shape, it was excruciating.

The New York Times

As a Labour supporter, it was excruciating to witness.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was excruciating, and it got us nowhere.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The venom and pain of it was excruciating.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

'It was excruciating,' she said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and adjust the level of formality. While "it was excruciating" is generally acceptable, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "it was intensely painful".

Common error

Avoid using "it was excruciating" for minor inconveniences. This phrase is best reserved for situations of genuinely severe pain or distress; using it lightly can diminish its impact and appear hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was excruciating" functions as a descriptive statement, emphasizing the intensity of a past experience. As shown by Ludwig, it serves to convey that something caused extreme physical or emotional suffering.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was excruciating" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to describe experiences of intense physical or emotional pain. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered usable in written English and found across reputable sources, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it is best reserved for scenarios where the level of discomfort or suffering is genuinely severe, to prevent diminishing its impact. When writing, consider alternatives like "it was agonizing" or "it was unbearable" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was agonizing

Emphasizes prolonged suffering, differing slightly in the duration implied.

it was unbearable

Highlights the inability to endure the experience, focusing on the limit of tolerance.

it was intensely painful

Directly emphasizes the high degree of pain involved, making it explicit.

it was profoundly distressing

Shifts the focus to emotional suffering, emphasizing mental anguish.

it was extremely difficult

Broadens the scope to encompass challenges beyond physical pain, including emotional or mental strain.

it was a nightmare

Uses a metaphorical comparison to emphasize the extreme unpleasantness of the experience.

it was sheer torture

Emphasizes the torment and suffering endured, often implying a prolonged or repeated experience.

it was a harrowing experience

Highlights the distressing and disturbing nature of the event, focusing on its impact on the individual.

it was deeply traumatic

Emphasizes the long-lasting emotional or psychological damage caused by the experience.

it was exceptionally trying

Focuses on the challenging and demanding nature of the situation, highlighting the effort required to cope.

FAQs

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

Use "it was excruciating" to describe an experience that caused intense physical or emotional pain. For example, "The surgery was long, and "it was excruciating" to recover from".

What are some alternatives to "it was excruciating"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "it was agonizing", "it was unbearable", or "it was intensely painful".

Is "it was excruciating" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "it was excruciating" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing experiences of severe pain or distress. However, consider the specific context and audience; alternatives like "it was profoundly distressing" might be more appropriate in some cases.

What's the difference between "it was excruciating" and "it was painful"?

"It was painful" describes a general experience of pain, while "it was excruciating" indicates a much higher degree of intensity. "Excruciating" implies unbearable or almost unbearable pain, making it a stronger and more emphatic choice.