it was hurting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it was hurting' is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a physical feeling of pain or discomfort. For example: "I tripped over the chair and my ankle was hurting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then, it was hurting badly.

The New York Times - Sports

I don't think it was hurting.

The New York Times

And he knew it was hurting me.

The New Yorker

It was hurting me in that ballpark".

The New York Times

I wanted to cry, it was hurting.

The Guardian - Sport

"And it was hurting our relationship," Mr. Crim said of his own marriage.

The New York Times

Then Rich said, "I went to lift it, it was hurting him.

The New York Times

"It was too much money, and it was hurting my neck".

The New York Times - Arts

I covered my eye because it was bruised and it was hurting".

The Guardian

Before, everyone was talking about his all-time record against Roger, and it was hurting him a little.

The New York Times - Sports

"Um, I mean, it was hurting a lot," she said of her leg, not the pain she inflicted upon herself.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was hurting" to describe a past state of pain or discomfort, whether physical or emotional. For example, "My leg felt better after icing it, but before, "it was hurting" quite a bit."

Common error

Ensure the pronoun "it" has a clear and unambiguous antecedent. Without context, the reader may not understand what "it" refers to, leading to confusion. For instance, instead of saying ""It was hurting"", specify what was hurting, like "My back was hurting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was hurting" functions as a clause expressing a state of pain or discomfort experienced in the past. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase follows standard grammar rules and is commonly used. This phrase is employed to describe sensations, both physical and emotional.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was hurting" is a grammatically correct and common way to express a past experience of pain or discomfort. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely used and accepted in written English. Analysis of numerous examples reveals its frequent presence in news and media, where it describes both physical sensations and emotional distress. While the phrase is versatile, it's essential to ensure the pronoun "it" has a clear reference to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "it was painful" or "it was aching" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas. Therefore, "it was hurting" is a clear and effective way to indicate that something was causing pain in the past.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was painful

Emphasizes the quality of being painful.

it caused pain

Focuses on the action of causing pain rather than the state of being painful.

it was aching

Specifies a dull, persistent pain.

it was sore

Describes a feeling of tenderness and pain.

it inflicted pain

Highlights the act of inflicting pain, suggesting a more active or deliberate cause.

it was throbbing

Implies a pulsating pain.

it was causing discomfort

Emphasizes the feeling of unease or mild pain.

it was injuring

Focuses on the physical damage being caused.

it was distressing

Focuses on the emotional impact of the situation.

it was affecting

Broadly describes the impact without specifically mentioning pain.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was hurting" to describe a past sensation of pain or discomfort. For example, "After the workout, my muscles were sore, and my shoulder, "it was hurting" especially."

What are some alternatives to "it was hurting"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "it was painful", "it was aching", or "it was sore" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "it was hurting" or "it hurt"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "it was hurting" implies a continuous or ongoing sensation of pain in the past, while "it hurt" simply states that pain was experienced at some point in the past. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Can "it was hurting" refer to emotional pain as well as physical pain?

Yes, "it was hurting" can be used metaphorically to describe emotional pain or distress. For example, "The harsh criticism stung, and my pride, "it was hurting" deeply."