sorely tried

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sorely tried" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is experiencing significant difficulty or hardship. Example: "After months of relentless challenges at work, I felt sorely tried and in need of a break."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Contaminated, the Roman army was sorely tried by disease and obliged to retreat, but not definitively.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their devotion to each other was sorely tried by the practice of polygamy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Meanwhile, the faithful are sorely tried by Benedict's authoritarian orthodoxy on social and theological issues.

Independent

Beyond the two sorely tried principals, the cast often rose to adequacy.

The New York Times - Arts

His death in 1980 brought a million Muscovites into the streets around the theatre.All this sorely tried the Soviet authorities.

The Economist

Often the men are older, battered, no longer successful, and the women have had their patience sorely tried.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Though it has passages of dancing wit and keen observation, it is, over all, a strangely detached and lackadaisical production that sorely tries the reader's patience.

The New York Times - Books

Many times when I have been in sorely trying situations, the memory of that little one has come into my mind, and has buoyed me".

Huffington Post

But I am concerned that using force against Iraq before other means are tried will sorely test both the integrity and effectiveness of the coalition.

Huffington Post

Similar to "Millennial," she captures both the excitement and confusion that comes with being young in a big city, like preparing for your first IKEA run and then sorely regretting trying to lug home a 40-pound mattress.

HuffPost

He must have surely tried the infamous fried Oreos at the state fair, and missed them sorely when he had to give them up because of his atherosclerosis.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sorely tried" when you want to convey that someone or something has been tested to a great extent, often implying a negative impact on their patience, resilience, or well-being.

Common error

Avoid using "sorely tried" for minor inconveniences. This phrase implies a significant and often prolonged period of hardship or testing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sorely tried" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used as a predicate adjective to describe a noun or pronoun that has experienced significant hardship or testing. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and readily usable in English writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sorely tried" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that describes a state of being severely tested or challenged. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it conveys a sense of endurance under difficult circumstances. While not restricted to formal settings, it's important to reserve it for situations involving genuine hardship to avoid diluting its impact. Related phrases such as "severely tested" and "heavily burdened" provide alternative ways to express similar ideas. Overall, understanding the appropriate context and intensity allows for effective use of the phrase "sorely tried".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severely tested

Emphasizes the act of being tested to a great extent, similar to being "sorely tried".

heavily burdened

Focuses on the weight of the challenges faced, implying a state of being under significant strain.

greatly challenged

Highlights the magnitude of the challenges involved, akin to being "sorely tried".

subjected to hardship

Specifically points out the experience of difficult conditions or circumstances.

under immense pressure

Illustrates a state of extreme stress and strain, suggesting a difficult situation.

pushed to the limit

Emphasizes reaching the boundary of one's capabilities or endurance.

put through the wringer

An idiomatic expression indicating a harsh and trying experience.

faced with adversity

Focuses on encountering difficult or unfavorable circumstances.

endured significant strain

Highlights the act of withstanding considerable pressure or tension.

tested to the breaking point

Implies a situation where one's resilience is almost exhausted.

FAQs

How can I use "sorely tried" in a sentence?

You can use "sorely tried" to describe a situation where someone's patience, loyalty, or endurance has been severely tested. For example, "Their relationship was "sorely tried" by the long distance".

What's a less intense alternative to "sorely tried"?

If you're looking for a less intense alternative, consider phrases like "tested" or "challenged", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean when someone's patience is "sorely tried"?

When someone's patience is "sorely tried", it means they have been subjected to numerous or significant irritations and are close to losing their patience.

Can "sorely tried" be used to describe an object or situation?

Yes, "sorely tried" can describe an object or situation that has been subjected to significant stress or hardship. For example, "The economy was "sorely tried" by the recession".