suffer abuse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suffer abuse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing experiences of mistreatment or harm, often in relation to individuals or groups facing violence or emotional distress. Example: "Many children who grow up in unstable environments may suffer abuse from their caregivers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You don't suffer abuse or neglect without some repercussions".

The New York Times

But it's not just children that suffer abuse.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I don't want to raise them to suffer abuse," she said of her children.

The New York Times

This is not to say others don't suffer abuse based on their race, religion or sexuality.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is at that point that extortion begins and some female refugees start to suffer abuse.

The Guardian - Opinion

Once employed as domestic workers in Kuwait, women find it difficult to leave if they suffer abuse.

The Guardian

Plus, millions of women will benefit from living wage, tenants suffer abuse, and where can you afford to live?

The Guardian - Money

The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that when children do suffer abuse, they do not "repress" their memories of it.

The Guardian

Slip and fall in a New York prison, or suffer abuse by its guards, and inmates can keep whatever they win in court.

The New York Times

Mostly from the former Soviet republics of Central Asia, including Tajikistan, they regularly suffer abuse by the police and violent nationalists, according to human rights monitors.

The New York Times

"However, many gay people still suffer abuse and bullying simply for who they are, with homophobia and biphobia still rife in many parts of society".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics like abuse, ensure your language is respectful and avoids stigmatizing victims. Focus on the impact of the abuse rather than sensationalizing the details.

Common error

Avoid using "suffer abuse" interchangeably with terms like "cause abuse" or "inflict abuse". "Suffer abuse" denotes the victim's experience, while the others refer to the perpetrator's actions. Ensure you are using the correct verb to accurately convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suffer abuse" functions as a verb phrase, where "suffer" acts as a verb indicating the experience of enduring something negative, and "abuse" functions as a noun representing the mistreatment or harm endured. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples demonstrating its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "suffer abuse" is a prevalent and direct way to describe the experience of enduring mistreatment or harm. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news, formal reports, and scientific studies. Its purpose is to clearly convey that someone is experiencing abuse, whether physical, emotional, or psychological. While alternatives like "endure abuse" or "experience mistreatment" exist, "suffer abuse" remains a straightforward and widely understood option. When using this phrase, it's crucial to maintain respectful language and focus on the impact of the abuse, and distinguish to whom/what cause the abuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

endure abuse

Focuses on the act of withstanding or tolerating abuse.

experience abuse

Highlights the personal encounter or undergoing of abuse.

withstand abuse

Emphasizes the ability to resist or survive abusive treatment.

suffer maltreatment

A more formal term that refers to harsh or unkind treatment.

suffer mistreatment

Similar to maltreatment, suggesting improper or unfair treatment.

suffer harassment

Implies persistent and unwanted actions that cause distress.

suffer exploitation

Highlights the unfair use of someone for personal gain.

bear abuse

Stresses the act of carrying the burden of abuse.

tolerate abuse

Indicates acceptance or endurance of abusive behavior.

face abuse

Focuses on confronting or dealing with abuse.

FAQs

How can I use "suffer abuse" in a sentence?

You can use "suffer abuse" to describe someone experiencing mistreatment or harm, as in "Children who live in violent homes often "suffer abuse"".

What are some alternatives to saying "suffer abuse"?

Alternatives include "endure abuse", "experience abuse", or "undergo mistreatment", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "suffer from abuse"?

While grammatically understandable, it's more common and direct to say ""suffer abuse"". "Suffer from abuse" can imply a longer-term impact or condition resulting from the abuse.

What's the difference between "suffer abuse" and "witness abuse"?

"Suffer abuse" means to be the direct victim of abusive actions. "Witness abuse" means to observe abuse happening to someone else, which can also have a significant emotional impact.