profound suffering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profound suffering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deep or intense level of pain or distress, often in a psychological or emotional context. Example: "The novel explores the theme of profound suffering experienced by the protagonist after the loss of a loved one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Profound suffering was only an ellipsis away from comic anxiety.

The New York Times

Yarmouk sums up the tragic, profound suffering of civilians in the Syria conflict.

The Guardian

The profound suffering of people who attend A&E with psychiatric issues is almost impossible to underestimate.

The Guardian

Instead there was to be the more profound suffering of a rout at the hands of opponents with whom they share a city.

The Guardian - Sport

Humility to the profound suffering behind those numbers and the tenacity to propel financial and human resources locally and from outside is the way forward.

The New York Times

In "The Plague," Albert Camus writes that every prisoner and every exile experiences the profound suffering of living with a memory that has no purpose.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

A UNICEF survey in Donetsk oblast showed that 37 per cent of those attending psychosocial programming were suffering from profound distress.

Unicef

Emergency teams are providing psychological help to children suffering from profound distress, while safe spaces have been set up in shelters where children can play and participate in recreational activities.

Unicef

Lost in all of this, at times, is the profound human suffering that underpins these crimes.

The New York Times - Books

It was an apology for "the laws and policies of successive parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians".

The Guardian

"We apologise for the laws and policies of successive Parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "profound suffering", ensure the context clearly establishes the cause and nature of the suffering being described. Using specific details can amplify the emotional impact and make the suffering more relatable.

Common error

Avoid using "profound suffering" to describe minor inconveniences or everyday frustrations. This can dilute the impact of the phrase and make your writing seem melodramatic. Reserve it for truly significant and deeply affecting situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profound suffering" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a state of intense and deep distress, either emotional or physical. As shown by Ludwig, it’s used to convey a significant level of pain.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "profound suffering" is a noun phrase used to describe a state of intense emotional, psychological, or physical distress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various authoritative sources, particularly in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When writing, it's important to ensure the context justifies the use of such a strong phrase, reserving it for situations of truly significant and deeply affecting distress. Alternatives like "deep anguish" or "intense pain" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

great suffering

Emphasizes the extent and intensity of suffering.

deep anguish

Focuses on the emotional aspect of the suffering, highlighting feelings of distress and torment.

intense pain

Highlights the severity of the pain experienced, whether physical or emotional.

severe hardship

Shifts the focus to the difficult conditions and challenges that cause suffering.

extreme distress

Emphasizes the severity of mental or emotional strain.

unimaginable pain

Highlights the difficulty in understanding the suffering because it is so extreme.

excruciating torment

Stresses the degree to which the suffering is agonizing and unbearable.

agonizing pain

Highlights the emotional and physical pain experienced.

deep sorrow

Focuses on the sadness and grief associated with the suffering.

tragic plight

Emphasizes the unfortunate or calamitous situation causing the suffering.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "profound suffering" in a sentence?

Use "profound suffering" to describe intense emotional, psychological, or physical distress. Ensure the context provides enough detail to justify the use of such a strong phrase. For example, "The loss of her family brought her "great suffering"."

What are some alternatives to "profound suffering"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "deep anguish", "intense pain", or "severe hardship" to convey a similar meaning.

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

Yes, "profound suffering" is appropriate for formal writing when describing situations of significant distress, especially in academic, journalistic, or professional contexts. However, ensure its use is justified by the severity of the situation.

What distinguishes "profound suffering" from "ordinary suffering"?

"Profound suffering" implies a level of intensity and depth that goes beyond everyday hardships. It suggests a deeply impactful and transformative experience, whereas "ordinary suffering" may refer to common, less severe forms of distress.