severe pain

USAGE SUMMARY

"severe pain" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe intense physical discomfort or suffering. Example: After the car accident, John experienced severe pain in his neck and back. He could barely move without wincing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Any sudden or severe pain.

The New York Times

He was in severe pain.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The patient complains of severe pain.

The Guardian

But what qualifies as severe pain or suffering?

The New York Times

But patients getting the drug experienced severe pain.

The New York Times

He had severe pain and became uncharacteristically depressed, she said.

The New York Times

Nadal did not seem to be in severe pain.

The New York Times - Sports

Neither Yoo nor Cheney thought waterboarding inflicted "severe pain".

The New York Times - Books

Those that experience severe pain will be killed.

The Economist

But there would certainly be a period of severe pain.

Independent

After the first week, she started to experience severe pain.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing pain, be specific about its location, duration, and character (e.g., sharp, throbbing, constant) to provide a clearer picture of the "severe pain" experienced. Using descriptive language helps avoid ambiguity and better communicates the intensity and nature of the discomfort.

Common error

Avoid using "severe pain" as a standalone description without specifying the location or type of pain. For example, instead of just stating "the patient had severe pain", specify "the patient experienced severe, sharp pain in their lower back" to provide more context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe pain" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "severe" is an adjective modifying the noun "pain". According to Ludwig AI, this is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

33%

Wiki

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "severe pain" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe intense physical or emotional discomfort. According to Ludwig AI, it is widely used across diverse contexts, including news, scientific articles, and general informational content. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, with "severe" modifying "pain", and serves to convey the presence and degree of suffering. While primarily neutral in register, the specific context can influence the overall tone. When using this phrase, be specific about the location and nature of the pain to enhance clarity. Alternatives include "intense pain" and "excruciating pain".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense pain

Indicates a high degree of pain, similar to severe but potentially emphasizing the feeling more.

excruciating pain

Emphasizes the unbearable nature of the pain, suggesting it's extremely difficult to endure.

unbearable pain

Highlights the inability to tolerate the pain, focusing on the subjective experience.

agonizing pain

Suggests pain that is both severe and prolonged, causing significant distress.

extreme pain

Directly conveys the pain's intensity, comparable to severe but potentially more general.

acute pain

Refers to a sudden and sharp pain, differing from severe in its focus on onset.

terrible pain

A more colloquial expression for severe pain, emphasizing its unpleasantness.

serious pain

Highlights the severity of the pain, implying potential medical concern.

intolerable pain

Similar to unbearable, emphasizing the inability to withstand the pain.

debilitating pain

Focuses on the pain's impact on one's ability to function, rather than just its intensity.

FAQs

How can I describe the location of "severe pain" in a sentence?

To specify the location, you can say "severe pain in the lower back", "severe pain in the chest", or "severe pain in the leg".

What are some alternative ways to describe "severe pain"?

You can use alternatives like "intense pain", "excruciating pain", or "unbearable pain" depending on the context.

When should I seek medical attention for "severe pain"?

Seek immediate medical attention if the "severe pain" is sudden, accompanied by other symptoms like difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness, or if it persists despite home treatment.

What's the difference between "acute pain" and "severe pain"?

"Acute pain" refers to pain that comes on suddenly and is short-lived, while "severe pain" describes the intensity of the pain, regardless of its duration.