painful thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "painful thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an object, experience, or situation that causes physical or emotional pain. Example: "Losing a loved one is often considered the most painful thing one can experience in life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a painful thing to hear.

The New York Times

It's a painful thing to watch".

The New York Times

"It's a painful thing," he said.

The New York Times

Outsourcing activities is always a painful thing to think about.

Cornell University

"It's a very painful thing for me to do".

The New York Times

It's a painful thing for people to deal with.

The Guardian

And do you know what is the most painful thing?

The Guardian - Sport

Evolution can be a slow and painful thing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Most of the time, it's a painful thing to watch.

The New York Times

"It was the most painful thing I have ever experienced".

The Guardian

"It is probably the most painful thing I've ever experienced.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "painful thing" to describe an experience, consider specifying the type of pain (emotional, physical, psychological) for greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "painful thing" too frequently in casual conversations, as it can sound overly dramatic. Opt for more nuanced or specific language to describe discomfort or difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "painful thing" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "painful" modifies the noun "thing". It is often used to describe an abstract concept or experience that causes emotional or physical distress, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "painful thing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe something causing distress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered correct and usable in English. It appears most often in news and media, followed by academic contexts. While versatile, writers should consider the specific type of pain and adjust their language for clarity and avoid overuse in casual settings. Alternatives like ""distressing matter"" or ""agonizing ordeal"" offer more nuanced options depending on the intended emphasis. The phrase effectively conveys a speaker's perception of pain, making it a valuable tool in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distressing matter

Focuses on the emotional or mental anguish caused.

heartbreaking event

Focuses on the sadness and emotional pain involved.

agonizing ordeal

Emphasizes the prolonged and intensely painful nature of the experience.

traumatic experience

Highlights the deeply distressing or disturbing nature of the event.

difficult experience

Highlights the challenging and arduous nature of the situation.

sorrowful occasion

Emphasizes the feeling of grief, sadness, or regret.

unpleasant situation

Understates the severity, focusing on the disagreeableness.

trying circumstance

Implies a test of endurance and resilience.

unfortunate situation

Highlights the bad luck or adverse circumstances of a scenario.

regrettable incident

Emphasizes the feeling of sorrow or disappointment over something that has happened or been done.

FAQs

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

You can use "painful thing" to describe an experience, situation, or memory that causes emotional or physical distress. For example, "Losing a pet is a very "painful thing" to go through."

What can I say instead of "painful thing"?

You can use alternatives like "distressing matter", "agonizing ordeal", or "difficult experience" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "painful thing" in formal writing?

While "painful thing" is grammatically correct, it might be more appropriate to use a more formal or precise term in formal writing, such as ""distressing matter"" or "challenging situation".

What's the difference between "painful thing" and "unpleasant experience"?

"Painful thing" implies a more intense and distressing experience, while "unpleasant experience" suggests something that is merely disagreeable or unenjoyable.