severe suffering

USAGE SUMMARY

"severe suffering" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation of great physical, emotional, or mental pain. Example: The victims of the natural disaster were left with severe suffering, as their homes and livelihoods were destroyed.

✓ Grammatically correct

The phrase "severe suffering" appears in a variety of contexts, including academic research, news reports, and general encyclopedic entries.

It is used to describe experiences of intense pain, hardship, or distress, whether physical, emotional, or societal.

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

This methodology can also be applied effectively in the areas with similar climate and geology such as southern India, which suffers from acute shortage of water leading to severe suffering of farmers.

Applied Water Science

At Wembley the audience was entitled to relish the more severe suffering of Bulgaria.

The Guardian - Sport

The German invasion in 1941 again brought severe suffering and destruction to the city.

Britannica

Animal experimentation is the practice of imposing severe suffering on other species for human benefit.

The Guardian

Participants' experience of pain tells of severe suffering that hindered them in performing activities of daily living.

Pain Management Nursing

But opponents of lethal injection say that in some cases, the second and third drugs may cause severe suffering.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

"I think he's suffering severe distress".

The New York Times

The primary argument is that these would provide a more efficient means of eradicating severe hardship, suffering, or starvation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

French losses were more severe, Minerve suffering 23 casualties and Ceylon eight.

Wikipedia

Bradbury's memo concluded that waterboarding did not cause "severe physical suffering" because it would only be allowed for 40 seconds, and that any distress "would not be expected to have the duration required to amount to severe physical suffering".

Huffington Post

Taylor was hospitalized with a severe concussion, suffering short term memory loss, unable to remember details of this bout.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "severe suffering" to describe situations where the level of pain, distress, or hardship is significantly above average and has a lasting impact.

Common error

Avoid using "severe suffering" to describe everyday discomfort or minor inconveniences; reserve it for situations involving substantial and prolonged distress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe suffering" functions as a noun phrase where "severe" modifies the noun "suffering", intensifying its meaning. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is often employed to describe conditions of considerable hardship or pain.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "severe suffering" is a powerful descriptor used to convey significant pain, distress, or hardship. As Ludwig AI points out, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media and Scientific publications. When employing this phrase, reserve it for situations involving a high degree of intensity and prolonged impact, avoiding its overuse in milder scenarios. Alternatives such as "intense pain" or "acute distress" may be considered depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it is used to evoke empathy and highlight the gravity of a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense pain

Focuses more on the physical sensation.

acute distress

Emphasizes emotional and mental anguish.

extreme hardship

Highlights difficult conditions of life.

unbearable agony

Stresses the intolerable nature of the pain.

great affliction

Suggests a cause of prolonged pain or distress.

profound misery

Emphasizes the depth of unhappiness.

grievous pain

Highlights the severity and sorrow associated with the pain.

extreme torment

Focuses on mental or physical torture.

devastating trauma

Highlights the long-lasting effects of a severely distressing event.

excruciating pain

Emphasizes the intensity and sharpness of the pain.

FAQs

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

You can use "severe suffering" to describe intense physical or emotional pain, or significant hardship. For example: "The war caused "severe suffering" among the civilian population."

What are some alternatives to "severe suffering"?

Alternatives include "intense pain", "acute distress", or "extreme hardship", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is "severe suffering" a formal or informal phrase?

"Severe suffering" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts when describing a serious situation. However, consider your audience and purpose to determine if a more descriptive or nuanced phrase might be more effective.

What kind of situations typically involve "severe suffering"?

"Severe suffering" is often associated with events like natural disasters, war, chronic illness, or profound personal loss. It describes situations where people experience a high degree of pain, hardship, or distress that significantly impacts their well-being.