she was hurting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she was hurting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is experiencing physical or emotional pain. Example: "After the accident, she was hurting both physically and emotionally, struggling to cope with the aftermath."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"She was hurting," said Kerr, who also shot a 72.

The New York Times - Sports

She was No. 1, but she was hurting physically and burned out emotionally.

The New York Times - Sports

"She was really tired and she was hurting at the shoot-around.

The New York Times

Her orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Craig Radnay, told her that her gait had become increasingly affected by her foot issues and that she was hurting her back.

The New York Times

It wasn't like she was hurting anybody along the way.

Huffington Post

I didn't realize just how much she was hurting, and just how alone she felt.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

But she was hurt.

The New York Times - Arts

She was hurt though".

The New York Times

"She was hurt," Mr. Musto said.

The New York Times

She was hurt, but not hopeless.

The Washington Post

She was hurt in the leg and cries.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's emotional state, consider using "she was hurting" to convey a sense of deep emotional pain or vulnerability.

Common error

While "she was hurting" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more precise language like "she was in pain" or "she suffered" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she was hurting" functions as a descriptive statement. It portrays a past state of being, indicating that the subject experienced some form of pain or distress, either physical or emotional, as supported by examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she was hurting" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe someone's past state of physical or emotional distress. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context when using this phrase, as more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "she was in pain" or "she suffered". Its prevalence in news and media sources suggests a neutral register, making it suitable for various writing styles. Although used to describe someone experiencing physical or emotional pain it is rarely used in scientific and formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she was in pain

Directly states that she experienced pain.

she felt pain

Focuses on the sensation of pain, whether physical or emotional.

she was suffering

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the suffering.

she suffered

Highlights the experience of enduring hardship or pain.

she was aching

Similar to "she ached", but emphasizes the continuous nature.

she ached

Implies a persistent, often dull pain, whether physical or emotional.

she was wounded

Suggests a deeper level of emotional or physical damage.

she was distressed

Focuses on the emotional or mental anguish she was experiencing.

she was afflicted

Highlights the imposition of suffering upon her.

she experienced discomfort

A more understated way of saying she was in pain.

FAQs

How can I use "she was hurting" in a sentence?

You can use "she was hurting" to describe someone experiencing physical or emotional pain. For example, "After the accident, "she was hurting" both physically and emotionally."

What's a more formal alternative to "she was hurting"?

In more formal contexts, you might consider using phrases like "she was in pain" or "she suffered". These alternatives convey a similar meaning with a slightly more elevated tone.

Is "she was hurting" interchangeable with "she was injured"?

While both phrases imply harm, "she was injured" typically refers to physical harm, while "she was hurting" can refer to either physical or emotional distress. If the context is solely physical, "she was injured" is more appropriate.

Which is correct, "she was hurting" or "she is hurting"?

Both are correct, but they refer to different timeframes. "She was hurting" describes a past state, while "she is hurting" describes a present state. The choice depends on the context you're describing.