personal suffering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "personal suffering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing individual experiences of pain, distress, or hardship, often in a psychological or emotional context. Example: "The novel explores themes of personal suffering and resilience in the face of adversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Headache disorders impose recognizable burden on sufferers including, sometimes, substantial personal suffering, impaired quality of life and financial cost.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

The two had personal suffering in common.

The New Yorker

Instead, the emphasis is on the woman's personal suffering.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lord Bramall's personal suffering has been for a noble cause.

The Guardian - Opinion

Throughout the book, her personal suffering informs her politicized worldview.

The New Yorker

Both it and Pyramides (1935; "Pyramids") mixed socialist philosophy with vivid images of his personal suffering.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The pirates' poverty, deep personal suffering, and lingering anticolonial sentiment are central to Khadra's portrait.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Delayed recovery from surgery causes personal suffering and substantial societal and economic costs.

Stanford University

The best rulers are those tempered by personal suffering, but even their legacies are inherently precarious.

The New York Times - Books

It explores the mystery of personal suffering in dialogue with God the Trinity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Like Beethoven's work, Eliot's poem was triggered by personal suffering, although not of a physical nature.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts or universal themes, "personal suffering" provides a human-centered perspective, ensuring the narrative remains relatable and empathetic.

Common error

Avoid using "personal suffering" excessively in formal clinical reports; instead, opt for specific diagnostic terms or descriptions of symptoms to maintain objectivity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "personal suffering" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "personal" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "suffering". Ludwig examples show it frequently describes the individual experience of pain, distress, or hardship. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

31%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "personal suffering" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, primarily functioning as a noun phrase to describe an individual's experience of pain, distress, or hardship. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is used across various contexts, from news and media to science and academia, with a neutral register that allows for both objective description and empathetic expression. While alternatives like "individual distress" or "emotional pain" may be more appropriate in specific contexts, "personal suffering" remains a versatile and effective way to convey the human-centered perspective in discussions about adversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

individual distress

Focuses on the emotional or mental anguish experienced by a person, shifting from the broader concept of suffering.

private anguish

Emphasizes the deeply personal and often concealed nature of the pain.

inner torment

Highlights the internal and psychological aspect of suffering.

emotional pain

Specifies the type of suffering as related to emotions.

mental distress

Similar to "emotional pain", focusing on mental or psychological suffering.

personal hardship

Highlights difficult conditions or circumstances endured by an individual.

individual affliction

Focuses on the state of being affected by something that causes suffering.

private grief

Highlights the sorrow and mourning experienced personally.

personal woe

Emphasizes the sorrow or distress experienced by an individual.

individual pain

Focuses on the hurt and discomfort experienced by a person, both physical and emotional.

FAQs

How can I use "personal suffering" in a sentence?

You can use "personal suffering" to describe individual experiences of pain, distress, or hardship. For example: "The novel explores themes of "personal suffering" and resilience in the face of adversity."

What are some alternatives to "personal suffering"?

Alternatives include "individual distress", "private anguish", or "emotional pain depending" on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "personal suffering" in formal writing?

Yes, "personal suffering" is appropriate, but consider the specific context. In formal or scientific writing, more precise terms might be preferable, while in narrative or descriptive writing, it can effectively convey empathy and depth.

What is the difference between "personal suffering" and "collective suffering"?

"Personal suffering" refers to an individual's experience of pain and distress, while "collective suffering" describes the shared pain and hardship experienced by a group or community, especially during or after wars or natural disasters.