racked with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "racked with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is feeling a lot of physical or emotional pain. For example, "She was racked with guilt for lying to her best friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He was racked with hunger.

The New Yorker

Shane is racked with guilt.

The Guardian

Mr. Keating was racked with guilt.

The New York Times

I've never really been racked with ambition".

The Guardian - Film

Her body was racked with pain.

The New York Times

She is racked with rage and guilt.

The New York Times

Racked with whooping cough, aged four.

The Guardian

The efflorescence in downtown art was racked with schisms.

The New Yorker

Along the way, he was racked with self-doubt.

The New York Times

Of course, beforehand I was racked with self-doubt.

The Guardian - Music

He is bleeding internally and is racked with infection.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "racked with" to vividly describe intense physical or emotional pain; it adds a layer of depth and suffering beyond simple statements of feeling.

Common error

Avoid using "racked with" for mild discomfort or slight emotional disturbances. This phrase is reserved for significant suffering, and overuse can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "racked with" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun, typically a person or entity experiencing intense suffering. Ludwig AI confirms that is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "racked with" is a powerful phrase used to describe someone experiencing intense physical or emotional suffering. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "consumed by" or "overcome with" exist, "racked with" provides a vivid and impactful way to convey profound distress. Remember to reserve this phrase for situations where the suffering is truly significant to avoid diluting its effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wracked by

This alternative is very similar, using a variant spelling of the verb. Almost interchangeable.

tormented by

Highlights the mental anguish and suffering caused by something. Implies ongoing pain.

consumed by

Emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the feeling or condition. Changes the preposition.

suffering from

Focuses on the experience of enduring pain or distress. More clinical in tone.

overcome with

Highlights the feeling of being defeated or incapacitated by the emotion. Changes the verb.

gripped by

Emphasizes the powerful hold that the feeling or condition has on someone. Changes the verb.

filled with

Suggests a complete saturation with the specified feeling. Changes the main verb.

burdened with

Suggests carrying a heavy weight of emotional distress. Introduces the concept of a burden.

besieged by

Conveys a sense of being surrounded and attacked by the feeling or condition. Employs a more aggressive verb.

plagued by

Implies a persistent and troublesome affliction. Introduces a sense of ongoing irritation and difficulty.

FAQs

How to use "racked with" in a sentence?

Use "racked with" to describe someone experiencing intense physical or emotional suffering. For example: "She was "racked with guilt" after lying to her friend".

What can I say instead of "racked with"?

You can use alternatives like "consumed by", "overcome with", or "filled with" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "racked with" or "wracked with"?

Both "racked with" and "wracked with" are technically correct, but "racked with" is the more common spelling, especially when referring to emotional or physical distress.

Is "racked with" formal or informal?

"Racked with" can be used in both formal and informal contexts to describe intense suffering. However, consider the audience and the specific type of writing (e.g., avoid it in business communications).