stab of pain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stab of pain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden, sharp sensation of discomfort or agony, often in a medical or emotional context. Example: "She felt a stab of pain in her chest that made her gasp for breath."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Another crack, another lightning stab of pain.

The Guardian - Sport

Ms. LuPone made you feel every stab of pain behind each phrase in a rendition that leaned toward tragedy.

The New York Times

Martin Hernandez was moving heavy boxes of merchandise at a Brooklyn warehouse belonging to the electronics superstore B&H Photo Video in late August, he said, when he felt a sudden stab of pain in his left leg.

The New York Times

It shows both characters with a genuine tenderness for each other and so when Walter enters in the shoe-fitting scene and we rejoice with Eva in her cry of ecstasy, we also feel a stab of pain for Sachs.

The Guardian - Music

B feels an inexplicable stab of pain and thinks that perhaps it would have been better to stay at the hotel and leave his father to his own devices.

The New Yorker

"I'm sorry to do this to you," she continues, "but what's the point of going on with it if it's all wrong, eh?" As Callas soon explains: "It's not a note we're after here, it's a stab of pain.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Stabs of pain rose from his neck and back, which he attributed to sitting awkwardly on the plane.

The New York Times - Sports

By June 21, Mr. Adami was soldiering through the occasional stabs of pain, unwilling to veer from his steadily escalating training.

The New York Times

And the sudden stabs of pain with which Jones punctuates the scene acquire a shattering force when Big Daddy finally confronts the truth of his condition.

The Guardian

The next morning when I tested my knee, the undiminished stabs of pain made it clear that we weren't going to be finishing the Trans-Catalina Trail.

The New York Times - Travel

There are, for me personally, one or two stabs of pain in the list for best foreign language film, which contains a number of moderate and overpraised films and one outright clunker in The Concert – but not Xavier Beauvois's Of Gods And Men.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stab of pain" to describe a sudden and acute sensation, whether physical or emotional. It is particularly effective when emphasizing the unexpected and piercing nature of the pain.

Common error

While "stab of pain" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in highly formal or scientific writing. Opt for more clinical or precise terms when describing medical conditions or research findings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stab of pain" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a specific instance or type of pain, emphasizing its sudden and sharp nature. Ludwig examples show usage in both physical and emotional contexts, reinforcing its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stab of pain" is a noun phrase used to describe a sudden, sharp sensation, whether physical or emotional. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English. While not exceptionally common, the phrase appears in a variety of reputable sources, including news media and scientific publications. It is particularly effective for emphasizing the acute and unexpected nature of the pain. When writing, consider the context and audience to determine if a more formal or clinical term would be more appropriate. Alternatives such as "sharp pain" or "pang of pain" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sharp pain

Focuses on the acute and sudden nature of the pain.

pang of pain

Emphasizes a sudden, brief, and intense feeling of pain.

jolt of pain

Highlights the abrupt and shocking quality of the pain.

twinge of pain

Suggests a slight and sudden feeling of pain, often localized.

surge of pain

Conveys a rapidly increasing intensity of pain.

wave of pain

Describes pain that rises and falls in intensity, like a wave.

flash of pain

Indicates a very brief and sudden experience of pain.

burst of pain

Implies a sudden and forceful onset of pain.

throb of pain

Focuses on the pulsating quality of the pain.

ache of pain

Indicates a dull, continuous pain.

FAQs

How can I use "stab of pain" in a sentence?

You can use "stab of pain" to describe a sudden, sharp sensation, either physical or emotional. For example, "She felt a "stab of pain" in her ankle" or "He felt a "stab of pain" when he remembered her words."

What are some synonyms for "stab of pain"?

Alternatives include "sharp pain", "pang of pain", or "jolt of pain", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "stab of pain" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the tone and audience. In highly formal or scientific contexts, more clinical terms might be preferable. In more narrative or descriptive writing, "stab of pain" can be effective.

What does "stab of pain" typically refer to?

It typically refers to a sudden, acute sensation of pain, whether physical discomfort or a sharp emotional distress. The phrase emphasizes the sudden and piercing nature of the experience.