reducing suffering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reducing suffering" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in contexts related to alleviating pain, distress, or hardship, often in discussions about healthcare, psychology, or humanitarian efforts. Example: "The organization's primary goal is reducing suffering in communities affected by natural disasters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Anesthesiologist and internationally recognized medical researcher devoted to easing pain and reducing suffering.

The New York Times

"I think we have a very sensible and efficient strategy for reducing animal use and reducing suffering.

Independent

We could stop going through life trying to protect certain essences while avoiding or eradicating others, and focus on simply reducing suffering.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

These personnel will take pride in and be motivated by the shared purpose of reducing suffering — more than is possible with financially driven goals alone.

Harvard Business Review

And finally, they are embracing the idea that such self-imposed accountability is key to serving patients' needs and, ultimately, reducing suffering.

Harvard Business Review

Make your people empathize with the pain the customer experiened and they will also feel the pleasure of its resolution – all the more if some heroics went in to reducing suffering or struggle, or producing joy.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Robert D. Truog, M.D., Aaron Seth Kesselheim, M.D. Anesthesia does not reduce suffering at the end of life.

Harvard University

"Mobilising humanitarian assistance will be critical to save lives and reduce suffering.

The Guardian

It is not enough to imagine a way to reduce suffering.

Harvard Business Review

In so doing it will help us to reduce suffering – everyone's primary goal".

Independent

The new bill, for example, gives doctors more leeway to prescribe narcotics to reduce suffering in seriously ill patients.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In philosophical or ethical discussions, "reducing suffering" can be used to frame arguments related to minimizing harm and maximizing well-being.

Common error

Avoid using "reducing suffering" as a catch-all phrase. Instead, consider more precise terms like "pain management", "alleviating emotional distress", or "improving living conditions" to accurately reflect the specific actions being taken.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reducing suffering" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It is used to describe an action or goal related to minimizing pain, distress, or hardship. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

14%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reducing suffering" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that serves to describe efforts to alleviate pain, distress, and hardship. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across a variety of contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While it is generally neutral in register, it is important to use more specific terms when appropriate to accurately reflect the actions being taken. By understanding the nuances of this phrase and its alternatives, writers can effectively communicate their intended meaning and contribute to discussions about improving the well-being of individuals and communities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lessening pain

Specifically targets the reduction of physical or emotional pain.

diminishing agony

Directly addresses reducing intense physical or mental suffering.

alleviating distress

Focuses on easing distress, a state of emotional or mental suffering, rather than physical pain.

mitigating anguish

Implies a reduction in severe mental or emotional suffering.

minimizing distress

Stresses the importance of keeping levels of distress as low as possible.

easing hardship

Highlights the reduction of difficulties and struggles in life, often related to poverty or lack of resources.

ameliorating misery

Suggests making a state of extreme unhappiness or suffering more bearable.

abating pain

Focuses on reducing the intensity or severity of pain.

combating pain

Highlights fighting against pain or hardship, suggesting a more active approach.

curtailing suffering

Emphasizes limiting the scope or duration of suffering.

FAQs

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

You can use "reducing suffering" to describe efforts to alleviate pain, distress, or hardship. For example, "The organization's mission is "reducing suffering" in areas affected by conflict".

What are some alternatives to "reducing suffering"?

Some alternatives include "alleviating distress", "easing hardship", or "lessening pain", depending on the specific context.

Is "reducing suffering" a formal or informal phrase?

"Reducing suffering" is a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though in highly formal or scientific writing, more specific and technical terms might be preferred.

What is the difference between "reducing suffering" and "lessening pain"?

"Reducing suffering" is a broader term that encompasses physical, emotional, and mental distress, while "lessening pain" specifically refers to diminishing physical or emotional pain.