serious headache

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious headache" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a severe or intense headache that is causing significant discomfort or pain. Example: "I've been struggling with a serious headache all day, and it's making it difficult to focus on my work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Serious headache.

Independent

Though the law is only sporadically enforced, it's a serious headache for those affected.

The Guardian

The High Court dealt another blow to the chaplaincy program – creating a serious headache for the government.

The Guardian

More to the point, a miss would create a serious headache for George Osborne in his March budget.

The Guardian - Business

The weakest set of October public finance figures for six years has given George Osborne a serious headache ahead of next week's Autumn Statement.

Independent

Pakistan's Human Rights Commission has documented government atrocities, including a massacre of 12 civilians in January.For General Musharraf, this has become a serious headache.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Heard about neighbors making some serious money (or having some serious headaches) because of precision ag?

Cornell University

Critics and patient advocates claim that aggressive and misleading marketing tactics can lead to serious headaches for consumers.

The New York Times - Health

It's anyone's guess as to who will emerge from this field, a situation that could create serious headaches for Republicans.

The Guardian

Castro, Chris Harold, Marinkovic, Keogh and Rostyn Griffiths all had good looks on goal but none gave Phoenix goalkeeper Glen Moss any serious headaches.

The Guardian - Sport

For H.G.H., they include cardiovascular problems, an increased risk of diabetes, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, glucose intolerance, colon polyps, skin growths, excessive sweating and serious headaches.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a medical condition, be precise and specify the type and intensity of the "serious headache" to provide clearer information to the reader. For example, instead of only mentioning a "serious headache", also specify if it is a migraine, tension headache, or cluster headache.

Common error

While "serious headache" is appropriate in formal and medical contexts, avoid overusing it in casual conversation. Opt for more relatable terms like "bad headache" or "killer headache" to sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious headache" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "serious" modifies the noun "headache", indicating the severity or intensity of the headache. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

36%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serious headache" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a significant level of head pain. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans various contexts, from news reports to scientific articles, indicating a versatile applicability. While alternatives like "severe headache" or "intense headache" exist, "serious headache" remains a straightforward and widely understood term. The phrase is best used when conveying the intensity or potential medical implications of a headache. The top sources using this phrase include The Guardian, The New York Times and The Journal of Headache and Pain.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe headache

Emphasizes the intensity and gravity of the headache.

intense headache

Highlights the high level of intensity associated with the headache.

debilitating headache

Focuses on the incapacitating effect of the headache.

excruciating headache

Draws attention to the extreme level of pain experienced.

unbearable headache

Stresses the inability to tolerate the headache pain.

splitting headache

Uses figurative language to describe the severe pain.

migraine

Refers to a specific type of severe headache often accompanied by other symptoms.

agonizing headache

Emphasizes the tormenting and painful nature of the headache.

crippling headache

Highlights the limiting and disabling impact of the headache.

major headache

Indicates a significant and impactful headache, though less intense than others.

FAQs

How can I use "serious headache" in a sentence?

You can use "serious headache" to describe a severe and intense headache. For example, "I had a "serious headache" after staring at the computer screen all day."

What's the difference between "serious headache" and "bad headache"?

"Serious headache" implies a more severe and potentially concerning level of pain and impact compared to a "bad headache", which is a more general term for headache discomfort.

What can I say instead of "serious headache"?

You can use alternatives like "severe headache", "intense headache", or "debilitating headache" depending on the context.

When should I seek medical attention for a "serious headache"?

If a "serious headache" is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, stiff neck, vision changes, or neurological deficits, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.