more painful

USAGE SUMMARY

"more painful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare two things or experiences that are difficult or uncomfortable. For example, "Giving birth is more painful than eating a habanero pepper."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More painful, I would say.

Independent

They become more painful".

The New York Times - Sports

Nothing more painful than not being noticed.

The New York Times

Other memories are more painful.

The Guardian

That just makes it more painful".

The New York Times

Certainly they're more painful than lurid.

The New York Times - Books

This is more painful and less manageable.

The Guardian - Opinion

The alternative is even more painful.

The Guardian

Sometimes sex is more painful than pleasurable".

The New York Times - Health

"It was more painful than I'd hoped.

The New York Times

Drummer Fennell's exit, meanwhile, was more painful.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more painful" to describe emotional distress or mental anguish in addition to physical pain. This expands its utility in describing experiences that are not solely physical.

Common error

While "more painful" is widely applicable, avoid overusing it in very casual settings where simpler words like "worse" or "tougher" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more painful" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase, used to indicate a greater degree of pain, whether physical or emotional. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts, as shown in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more painful" is a versatile and frequently used comparative adjective phrase that signifies a greater degree of discomfort or distress. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appears across various contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. When using "more painful", ensure a clear comparison is established to highlight the increased intensity of the negative experience. While it is generally neutral in register, avoid overuse in overly casual settings. Consider alternatives like ""more agonizing"" or ""more distressing"" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more agonizing

This alternative emphasizes a greater level of intense suffering, both physically and emotionally.

more distressing

This alternative highlights the increased emotional upset and anxiety caused by something.

more grievous

This alternative suggests a heavier burden of sorrow or suffering.

more bitter

This alternative focuses on the increased feeling of resentment or disappointment.

more hurtful

This alternative underscores the increased emotional damage inflicted.

more sorrowful

This alternative indicates a deeper sense of sadness and mourning.

more tragic

This alternative conveys a greater sense of devastation and misfortune.

more unpleasant

This alternative describes a higher degree of disagreeableness or discomfort.

more arduous

This alternative highlights a greater level of difficulty and effort required.

more stressful

This alternative focuses on the increased mental or emotional strain.

FAQs

How can I use "more painful" in a sentence?

You can use "more painful" to compare two experiences, indicating one is more distressing or uncomfortable than the other. For example, "The breakup was "more painful" than I expected".

What are some alternatives to "more painful"?

Some alternatives to "more painful" include "more agonizing", "more distressing", or "more hurtful", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "more painful" to describe emotional pain?

Yes, "more painful" can accurately describe emotional distress. For instance, "The emotional impact was "more painful" than any physical injury".

How does "more painful" compare to "painful"?

"Painful" describes something causing pain, while "more painful" indicates a higher degree of pain relative to something else. It's a comparative adjective, so you need to compare it with something else. If you say "This is painful" you are describing a subjective sensation, if you say "This is "more painful"" you need to define what are you comparing it with.