sore

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "sore" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is painful, aching, or tender, or to refer to a lingering feeling of resentment or disappointment. For example, "After receiving criticism from his boss, he felt a sore disappointment for not having done a better job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even though nothing was clear in Florida, Republicans (and Fox News) began referring to George W as the "president-elect" and branding Gore as a sore loser for refusing to accept the fact.

The Guardian - Opinion

Watching fellow competitors stagger around camp like zombies in the mornings – tired, sore and nursing crocked knees, blistered feet or chafing in unmentionable places – was comic at times.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

15 MIKE BROWN 7/10 His previous game at Twickenham ended with a sore head but happily he made a full recovery.

The Guardian - Sport

Humans are not infectious until they develop symptoms, which at first are fever, muscle pain, headaches and a sore throat.

The Guardian

Desperate for work, the newly arrived accepted long hours and low wages, though the need to do so, Desai said, "nagged away like a sore on their necks".

The Guardian

Serena Williams is nursing a sore right elbow – and Maria Sharapova is trying hard, no doubt, not to smile too much.

The Guardian - Sport

Davis Love III claimed the Europeans were sore losers: "We didn't cry when we lost two in a row".

The Guardian - Sport

On the third day, you find yourself in fine rain, with no view, sore feet, the waymarking all to hell, in a boggy field, with bulls staring back.

The Guardian - Travel

Symptoms of influenza include fever, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and cough and complications include pneumonia and ear infections.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I said one word after my match with Novak in Australia and it was like I was complaining and trying to be a sore loser.

The Guardian - Sport

But he is less the bear with a sore head type than the verbal fencing champion, who leaves his opponents reeling before they've even realised they were on the receiving end of his rapier remarks.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical discomfort, use "sore" to indicate a localized pain or tenderness, as in "My muscles are sore after the workout."

Common error

Avoid using "sorry" when you mean "sore." "Sorry" expresses regret, while "sore" describes physical pain or emotional distress. Instead of saying "I'm sorry after the hike," say "I'm sore after the hike."

Linguistic Context

The word "sore" functions primarily as an adjective, describing a state of physical pain, tenderness, or emotional distress. Ludwig confirms this through numerous examples where "sore" modifies nouns such as "muscles", "throat", or "loser".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "sore" is commonly used as an adjective to describe physical pain, tenderness, or emotional distress. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct grammatical status and high frequency across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Sport, and Lifestyle. While "sore" is versatile, remember to avoid confusing it with "sorry", which expresses regret. For alternatives, consider "aching", "tender", or "painful" for physical discomfort, and "resentful" or "annoyed" for emotional distress. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively communicate your state of being.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aching

Focuses specifically on the pain experienced.

tender

Emphasizes sensitivity to touch.

painful

Highlights the presence of pain in a more general sense.

inflamed

Implies redness, swelling, and irritation.

irritated

Suggests a state of being easily provoked or aggravated.

bruised

Indicates discoloration due to injury.

smarting

Describes a sharp, stinging pain.

resentful

Indicates bitterness or indignation at having been treated unfairly.

annoyed

Signifies a state of being slightly irritated or bothered.

bitter

Conveys a feeling of resentment or cynicism.

FAQs

How can I use "sore" in a sentence?

You can use "sore" to describe physical pain, like "My back is sore from lifting boxes," or to describe emotional pain, like "He was sore about losing the game."

What can I say instead of "sore"?

You can use alternatives like "aching", "tender", or "painful" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "sore" or "sorry"?

"Sore" describes pain or emotional distress, while "sorry" expresses regret. Use "sore" when describing physical discomfort or resentment and "sorry" when apologizing.

What's the difference between "sore" and "painful"?

"Sore" often implies a dull, persistent ache or tenderness, while "painful" is a more general term for experiencing pain. "Sore" might describe muscles after exercise, while "painful" might describe a sharp, acute injury.