state of torment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "state of torment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a condition or situation characterized by extreme suffering or distress. Example: "After the accident, he found himself in a constant state of torment, unable to escape the memories of that day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In The Book of Laughter and Forgetting, he defined it as "a state of torment created by the sudden sight of one's own misery".

The Guardian - Opinion

Arriving at the mansion, Eric finds it to be run on rigid rules and also finds it to be in a state of torment.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A young American computer genius, Aaron Swartz, was driven to a state of mental torment and sadly took his own life when facing a lengthy prison sentence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Clooney, shorn of his mischief and charm, does not possess the resources to suggest the state of existential torment that are crucial to the logic of his character.

The New York Times

"Mr. Clooney, shorn of his mischief and charm, does not possess the resources to suggest the state of existential torment that are crucial to the logic of his character," Mr. Scott wrote in The Times in August.

The New York Times

Mahler's disturbing early background, coupled with his lack of an inherited Jewish faith (his father was a freethinker), resulted in a state of metaphysical torment, which he resolved temporarily by identifying himself with Christianity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Of the show's critics, he said: "You could only represent it to their satisfaction if everyone downstairs was writhing in a state of permanent torment while everyone upstairs was vicious and violent, horrible and dishonest.

The New York Times - Magazine

Driven by his "inner voice", Fox left Drayton-in-the-Clay Drayton-in-the-Clay Drayton-in-the-Clay Drayton-in-the-Clayl torment and confusinn.

Wikipedia

A girl once stood and defined purgatory as "a state of terrible torment which those who enter are compelled to undergo for a time to fit them for heaven".

WikiHow

But the specifics of state torment are haunting.

Vice

But there is also something hallucinatory and unwholesome about these images, as if hunger and pain has brought Glass to the secularised state of a medieval saint tormented with visions.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "state of torment", ensure that the context clearly indicates the source or cause of the suffering being described. This will enhance the impact and clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "state of torment" in everyday, lighthearted situations. The phrase carries a strong connotation of intense suffering and is best reserved for scenarios involving significant emotional or physical distress to avoid sounding melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state of torment" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes a condition or situation characterized by extreme suffering. Ludwig provides examples where the phrase is used to depict mental and emotional distress.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "state of torment" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe intense suffering or distress. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most commonly found in news articles, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, denoting a neutral to formal register. While alternatives like "condition of agony" or "depths of despair" exist, "state of torment" effectively conveys profound suffering. It is crucial to use the phrase judiciously, reserving it for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong expression to avoid melodrama.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

condition of agony

Replaces "torment" with "agony", focusing on the physical and mental pain experienced.

realm of suffering

Emphasizes the immersive and encompassing nature of the suffering.

time of anguish

Highlights the intense anxiety and distress experienced during the torment.

depths of despair

Highlights the hopelessness and profound sadness associated with the torment.

abyss of misery

Conveys a sense of being trapped in profound unhappiness and suffering.

sea of affliction

Uses a metaphorical image of being overwhelmed by suffering and hardship.

heart of sorrow

Highlights the deep emotional pain and sadness at the core of the torment.

period of tribulation

Focuses on the time aspect of the suffering, suggesting a challenging and difficult phase.

era of suffering

Indicates a prolonged period marked by pain and hardship.

cycle of pain

Implies a recurring pattern of suffering and distress.

FAQs

How can I use "state of torment" in a sentence?

You can use "state of torment" to describe situations characterized by intense suffering. For example: "After the loss, he existed in a constant state of torment." or "The protagonist found himself in a state of torment, torn between love and duty."

What are some synonyms for "state of torment"?

Alternatives to "state of torment" include "condition of agony", "depths of despair", or "time of anguish", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "state of torment" formal or informal?

"State of torment" is generally considered a neutral to formal expression, suitable for serious or dramatic contexts. It might be perceived as overly dramatic in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "state of torment" and "state of suffering"?

"State of torment" implies a more intense and prolonged suffering, often with mental or emotional anguish, compared to a general "state of suffering", which can encompass a broader range of less acute experiences.