out of anguish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "out of anguish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or feelings that arise as a result of deep emotional pain or distress. Example: "She cried out of anguish when she heard the news of her friend's passing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

(James Baldwin: "No one works better out of anguish at all; that's an incredible literary conceit").

The New York Times - Magazine

We have the sense that Dave runs to Allah more out of anguish than interest - because he is broken and desperate and has nowhere left to turn.

The Guardian - Film

Out of anguish, poetry arose as a thriving art form used to gracefully express the complexity, confusion and combativeness of the times.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Somewhere in South Korea, Kim Dong-Sung let out a howl of anguish.

The Guardian - Sport

Today I casually tweeted that my girlfriend had let out a wail of anguish during episode nine and even  that was enough to provoke an expletive-ridden reply from one soon-to-be-viewer.

Independent

The first time was when the mouse died and Michael Jeter sort of let out a howl of anguish before it magically came to life again, and for a bit there I was like, Damn, even though that was only a mouse, I almost had an emotion.

Vice

First time was when the mouse died and Michael Jeter sort of let out a howl of anguish before it magically came to life again, and for a bit there I was like, 'Damn, even though that was only a mouse, I almost had an emotion.' Second time was right at the end, where the magic black guy with learning difficulties had to die so the white man could live a life free of associated guilt.

Vice

Once that runner is revealed to be Pharaon, an aura of dread surrounds this man, who is so haunted by the crime he is investigating (and that he may have committed) that at one point he breaks down and lets out a desperate howl of anguish.

The New York Times - Arts

It is a great wail of regret, with the terrible admission that real lives can be played out in a drama of anguish and waste, and that looking this full in the face at the end requires existential courage of the sort few of us have.

The Guardian - Film

Beyond the burst of publicity about a celebrity coming out - her story of anguish and re-birth many well save lives.

Huffington Post

Money dedicated to building the future, or repairing the damage from old, dead wars, is another matter entirely: Suddenly it's real, like a pound of flesh, and meted out only with howls of anguish.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "out of anguish" to clearly convey that an action, feeling, or creation is a direct result of intense emotional suffering. This phrase adds depth and emphasizes the emotional origin.

Common error

Avoid using "out of anguish" in situations that don't genuinely involve deep emotional pain. Using it inappropriately can sound melodramatic. Consider alternatives like "due to concern" or "because of worry" for milder situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of anguish" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the cause or origin of an action or state. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in expressing actions or feelings stemming from deep emotional pain.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Film

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "out of anguish" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to express that an action or feeling stems from deep emotional pain. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and most frequently found in news and media contexts. While the phrase is clear, it's crucial to use it appropriately, reserving it for situations genuinely involving intense suffering to avoid sounding melodramatic. Consider more neutral alternatives for milder situations. When used correctly, "out of anguish" effectively emphasizes the emotional origin of an action or feeling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from despair

Emphasizes a loss of hope as the primary cause.

due to suffering

Highlights the experience of pain and hardship as the reason.

because of torment

Focuses on severe mental or physical suffering being the impetus.

as a result of grief

Specifically points to sorrow and mourning as the cause.

stemming from agony

Indicates intense physical or mental pain as the origin.

born of sorrow

Suggests that something originated from deep sadness.

motivated by distress

Highlights the sense of being overwhelmed or troubled as the driving force.

prompted by heartache

Refers specifically to emotional pain or grief, often associated with loss.

driven by misery

Emphasizes a state of great unhappiness and suffering as the motivator.

on account of pain

A more formal way of indicating suffering as the cause.

FAQs

How can I use "out of anguish" in a sentence?

You can use "out of anguish" to describe actions or feelings that arise as a result of intense emotional pain or suffering. For example: "She cried "out of anguish" when she received the devastating news".

What phrases are similar to "out of anguish"?

Similar phrases include "from despair", "due to suffering", or "because of torment". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "out of anguish" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "out of anguish" might be too emotionally charged for some formal contexts. Consider the tone and audience. A more neutral phrase might be more suitable in certain situations.

What's the difference between "out of anguish" and "out of sadness"?

"Out of anguish" implies a more profound and intense level of emotional pain than "out of sadness". Anguish suggests a deeper, more agonizing suffering.