pain

USAGE SUMMARY

'pain' is a correct word and can be used in written English.
It can be used as both a noun and a verb, and has many meanings. For example: "The pain in her back was unbearable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A forty-year-old woman comes in with chest pain after a fight with her husband.

The Economist

I could see all the pain and suffering [in the actors].

The Guardian

"The Lib Dems have already championed their commitment in 2010 by ending indefinite detention and are now willing to introduce a time limit alongside resettling 1,500 Syrian refugees and ending the use of pain as a form of restraint".

The Guardian

The home side will need to start well with Wales by some way the strongest finishers in the tournament in recent years, but the Lions pain of O'Driscoll and Heaslip should mutate into gain.

The Guardian - Sport

An induction was offered to ease the pain, but she asked for a caesarian section and was told (says the Times report) that such operations are only done at night in an emergency.

The Guardian

In this view, those with the broadest shoulders take the pain while those on benefits don't enjoy increases higher than pay rises for those in work.

The Guardian

There's even a word for it – iPosture – and there is increasing evidence that it is causing back and neck pain in young adults.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One in seven parents thought that their child's pain was related to the use of mobile technology.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

According to the British Chiropractic Association (BCA), its latest survey shows that 40% of those aged 16 to 24 have had back or neck pain, although it didn't give the actual number of people included in its study.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

/ HISTORY, Ancient Religion,War,Could go on,but id b a pain!" Nor is she worried about the opinions of trolls.

The Guardian

The only surprise is that she quit in terms calibrated to maximise pain in No 10.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical discomfort, be specific about the type of "pain" (e.g., sharp, dull, throbbing) and its location for clarity.

Common error

Avoid misspelling "pain" as "Paine", which is a surname. Remember that "pain" refers to suffering, while "Paine" is a proper noun.

Linguistic Context

The word "pain" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a sensation of physical suffering or mental distress. It can also function as a verb, meaning to cause suffering. As Ludwig AI explains, "pain" is a correct word suitable for written English. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Lifestyle

20%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Opinion

10%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "pain" is a versatile term in the English language, functioning primarily as a noun to describe physical discomfort or emotional suffering, and occasionally as a verb meaning to cause distress. As Ludwig AI confirms, "pain" is grammatically correct and appropriate for written English, appearing frequently in various contexts ranging from news reports and lifestyle articles to sports commentary and opinion pieces. Common usage involves describing types and locations of "pain" for clarity, but avoiding the misspelling "Paine". Alternatives like "suffering", "discomfort", and "agony" can be used depending on the context. Considering its widespread use and varied applications, mastering "pain" is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suffering

Emphasizes a more prolonged or intense experience of physical or mental distress.

agony

Refers to extreme physical or mental suffering.

anguish

Focuses on intense mental or emotional distress.

discomfort

Suggests a milder form of physical or mental unease.

distress

Indicates a state of worry, anxiety, or suffering.

torment

Implies severe physical or mental suffering inflicted upon someone.

affliction

Implies a state of suffering or distress caused by something.

unease

Suggests a lack of comfort or security, either physical or mental.

ache

Describes a dull, persistent physical discomfort.

irritation

Highlights a feeling of annoyance or frustration.

FAQs

How can I use "pain" in a sentence?

You can use "pain" in various contexts to describe physical discomfort, emotional suffering, or even annoyance. For example, "She felt a sharp pain in her leg," or "The breakup caused her great pain".

What are some alternatives to the word "pain"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "suffering", "discomfort", or "agony". Choose the word that best fits the intensity and nature of the experience.

Is it correct to say "I am in pain" or "I have pain"?

Both are correct, but "I am in pain" usually describes a current state, while "I have pain" can refer to an ongoing or chronic condition. For example, "I am in pain right now" versus "I have chronic pain in my back".

What's the difference between "pain" and "ache"?

"Pain" is a broader term for any unpleasant sensation, while "ache" typically refers to a dull, persistent discomfort. For instance, you might say "I have a headache", using ache to describe a mild pain.