mental anguish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mental anguish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe emotional suffering or distress caused by a specific event or situation. Example: "The accident left her in a state of mental anguish, struggling to cope with the trauma."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mental anguish.

Harvard University

Body slams and mental anguish.

The New York Times

And the mental anguish!

The Guardian - Film

The mental anguish may be worse.

The New York Times - Sports

The mental anguish is another matter.

The New York Times - Sports

Mental anguish, lest we forget, does not discriminate.

Independent

It allows no recovery for mental anguish or psychological damages.

The New York Times

"Mrs Kidd has suffered from considerable mental anguish.

Independent

"This incident has continued to cause him mental anguish.

The New York Times

This is a dignified account of loss and mental anguish.

The Guardian - Books

He endures physical discomfort and mental anguish daily".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mental anguish" when you want to emphasize the deep emotional and psychological pain someone is experiencing, especially as a result of trauma or significant loss.

Common error

Avoid using "mental anguish" to describe everyday frustrations or minor inconveniences. This phrase should be reserved for situations involving significant emotional or psychological distress to maintain its impact and avoid trivializing genuine suffering.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mental anguish" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the subject complement. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is used to describe a state of emotional suffering or distress. For example, "He suffered mental anguish after the accident."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

22%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mental anguish" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe profound emotional and psychological suffering. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various sources, including news, academic, and scientific contexts, make it a valuable term. While alternatives like "emotional suffering" and "psychological distress" exist, "mental anguish" is particularly useful when emphasizing the intensity and prolonged nature of the distress. To avoid misuse, reserve "mental anguish" for situations involving significant trauma or loss, not everyday inconveniences. Remember, this phrase accurately describes intense emotional pain and ensures clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emotional suffering

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of the distress.

psychological distress

Highlights the psychological impact of the suffering.

emotional torment

Suggests a more intense and prolonged form of emotional suffering.

mental suffering

A more general term for suffering related to mental processes.

psychological pain

Focuses on the painful aspect of the psychological experience.

inner turmoil

Implies a state of internal confusion and distress.

spiritual distress

Highlights the spiritual dimension of suffering and disconnection.

emotional distress

A broader term encompassing a range of negative emotional states.

mental distress

A more general term for negative mental or emotional states.

anguish of mind

Emphasizes the intellectual or cognitive aspect of anguish.

FAQs

How can I use "mental anguish" in a sentence?

You can use "mental anguish" to describe the intense emotional and psychological suffering experienced due to trauma, loss, or severe stress. For example: "The constant threats caused her severe "mental anguish"."

What are some alternatives to "mental anguish"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "emotional suffering", "psychological distress", or "emotional torment" to convey similar meanings.

Is "mental anguish" a formal or informal phrase?

"Mental anguish" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is often used in legal, medical, and journalistic writing due to its precision in describing severe emotional distress.

What distinguishes "mental anguish" from "emotional distress"?

"Emotional distress" is a broader term that encompasses a range of negative emotional states, while "mental anguish" typically refers to a more severe and prolonged form of emotional suffering that significantly impacts a person's psychological well-being.