painfully so

USAGE SUMMARY

"painfully so" is correct and can be used in written English.
You might use it when something is true or evident, but it is not a pleasant truth. For example: The task was difficult, painfully so.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Painfully so.

The New York Times - Sports

Painfully so, in some cases.

The New York Times - Food

"Painfully so," he added.

The New York Times

The attitude is straightforward and honest, occasionally painfully so.

The Economist

The nails look heavy, but not painfully so.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She is at first unbending — painfully so, for her and for the audience.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

The more recent vote proved painfully divisive, so political parties have mostly shunned the issue since.

The Economist

Their max volume is painfully loud, so you shouldn't run into any issues with quietness.

TechCrunch

At the same time, it was so painfully digital and when I say painfully, I mean in a good way.

Vice

So painfully shy.

The New York Times

So, painfully, I broke it off.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "painfully so" to acknowledge an unpleasant truth or reality. It adds emphasis and emotional weight to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "painfully so" in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral or objective tone is preferred. Opt for alternatives that convey the same meaning without the emotional undertones.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "painfully so" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a preceding statement to intensify its meaning and highlight an unpleasant or difficult aspect. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "painfully so" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to emphasize a statement while conveying a sense of discomfort or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most commonly found in news and media sources, with less frequent use in formal or scientific contexts. When writing, consider the emotional tone and avoid overuse in highly formal settings. Related phrases like "unfortunately so" or "regrettably so" may offer more neutral alternatives depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regrettably so

Emphasizes sadness or disappointment alongside the confirmation, suggesting a stronger emotional component.

unfortunately so

Highlights the negative aspect of the truth, focusing on the unfavorable circumstances.

distressingly so

Emphasizes the troubling or upsetting nature of the fact being confirmed.

acutely so

Indicates a sharp or intense degree of the condition or state, emphasizing the severity.

terribly so

Suggests a severe or extreme degree, often implying negative consequences or discomfort.

extremely so

Implies a very high degree of something, focusing on the intensity of the characteristic.

painfully obvious

Shifts the focus to the clear and undeniable nature of something, adding a layer of discomfort.

clearly painful

Emphasizes the painful aspect, making it the central point of the statement.

sadly true

Highlights the regrettable truth, focusing on the emotional aspect of the confirmation.

bitterly true

Implies a truth that is unpleasant or hard to accept, with a focus on the negativity of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "painfully so" in a sentence?

Use "painfully so" to emphasize an unpleasant truth or reality. For example, "The budget cuts were necessary, "painfully so"".

What's a less emotional alternative to "painfully so"?

Alternatives include phrases like "unfortunately so", which convey the same truth but with less emotional emphasis.

When is it inappropriate to use "painfully so"?

Avoid using "painfully so" in highly formal or objective contexts, such as academic papers or technical reports, where a neutral tone is essential.

Is "painfully so" grammatically correct?

Yes, "painfully so" is grammatically correct and functions as an adverbial phrase to intensify a statement, according to Ludwig.