serious pain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious pain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant level of discomfort or suffering, often in a medical or emotional context. Example: "After the accident, he experienced serious pain in his back that required immediate medical attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

By the time he landed, he was in serious pain.

The New York Times

Until recently, opiates were the only serious pain drug available.

The New York Times - Magazine

There's serious pain involved, and I'm only doing it once".

The New York Times - Magazine

The serious pain in all the remembering eyes.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I was in serious pain and distress, couldn't sleep properly and became depressed.

The Guardian

What is a pity for tourists becomes a serious pain for business travelers.

The New York Times

Rochefort, though now in serious pain, insisted on getting back in the saddle.

The Guardian - Film

We're trying to figure out if it's serious or not serious pain".

The New York Times - Sports

Soon, simple motions like slipping out of a shirt sleeve caused serious pain.

The New York Times - Health

I'm sorry, but serious pain for debtholders is not priced into the markets.

The Economist

OxyContin, which is a long-acting time-release form of the narcotic oxycodone, is used to treat serious pain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In contexts where emotional suffering is being described, "serious pain" can be used to convey the depth of emotional distress, emphasizing the need for support and empathy.

Common error

Avoid using "serious pain" to describe mild discomfort. Overusing the phrase diminishes its impact and can make your writing sound hyperbolic. Use more precise language to match the actual level of discomfort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious pain" functions primarily as a descriptor, adding intensity to the noun "pain". It modifies "pain" to indicate a significant degree of discomfort or suffering. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is both correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

25%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "serious pain" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote a significant degree of physical or emotional suffering. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its frequent appearance in news, scientific publications, and general-knowledge articles underscores its versatility and widespread understanding. When using the phrase, it's crucial to accurately reflect the intensity of the discomfort being described, avoiding overuse in minor situations. Alternatives like "intense discomfort" or "excruciating pain" may offer more nuanced descriptions, but the straightforward clarity of "serious pain" makes it a valuable tool in various writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excruciating pain

Stresses the unbearable nature of the pain.

intolerable pain

Focuses on the unbearable aspect of the pain.

intense discomfort

Focuses on the level of discomfort experienced.

extreme discomfort

Highlights an elevated level of discomfort.

grievous pain

Emphasizes the severity and oppressiveness of the pain.

severe agony

Emphasizes extreme suffering.

unbearable suffering

Focuses on the unbearable nature of pain.

acute suffering

Highlights the sharpness and intensity of the suffering.

considerable pain

Indicates a substantial degree of pain.

significant distress

Highlights the overall distress caused by the pain.

FAQs

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

"Serious pain" is used to describe a high level of discomfort. For example: "She was experiencing "serious pain" after the surgery".

What are some alternatives to "serious pain"?

Alternatives include "intense discomfort", "severe agony", or "excruciating pain", depending on the specific context and the degree of pain you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "serious pain" in formal writing?

Yes, "serious pain" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in medical or professional contexts, when describing significant discomfort or suffering.

What's the difference between "serious pain" and "minor discomfort"?

"Serious pain" describes a significant level of suffering that often requires medical attention, while "minor discomfort" refers to a mild and usually temporary feeling of unease.