suffer pain

USAGE SUMMARY

"suffer pain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation in which someone is feeling physical pain, or experiencing something emotionally or psychologically painful. For example: "The victims of the war had to suffer the pain of their losses for years to come."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some languages have no word for cancer.Poor cancer sufferers are not only more likely to die, but more likely to suffer pain and financial distress.

The Economist

Can you compel another to suffer pain for your benefit?

The Guardian - Opinion

Acute burn patients suffer pain and secondary hyperalgesia.

Burns

The name Odysseus is tied to the Greek verb odussomai, which means, "to suffer pain".

The New York Times - Books

Science may be able to tell us if and how animals suffer pain.

The Guardian - Books

You may be treated, and suffer pain and anxiety, to no avail.

Independent

A language of compassion is the right one: we should not be cruel to lions because they suffer pain.

The New Yorker

They found that women with FGM were no more likely to suffer pain during intercourse or experience lowered sexual desire.

The Guardian

An entire industry may have to change its practices if the world accepts the idea that fish suffer pain.

The Washington Post

In Christian theology as in young-adult fiction, even the author's most beloved characters can suffer pain, temptation, failure, exile.

The New York Times

The lawsuit says she continues to suffer pain as a consequence of the fall, resulting in medical costs, a loss of income and affecting her quality of life.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing emotional distress, consider using "suffer pain" to convey the depth and intensity of the experience. For instance, "They suffer pain from the loss of their loved ones".

Common error

Avoid using "suffer pain" for minor discomforts or inconveniences; reserve it for situations involving significant distress or agony. Using it inappropriately can diminish the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suffer pain" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the experience of physical or emotional distress. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes the action of enduring discomfort or agony. It can be used to describe both acute and chronic conditions, as shown in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "suffer pain" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase to describe the experience of physical or emotional distress. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. Its frequency is high, especially in News & Media, Science, and Academic sources, suggesting its widespread acceptance. When using the phrase, consider the intensity of the discomfort you wish to convey, and avoid using it for trivial matters. Alternatives like "experience discomfort" or "endure agony" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Remember to be mindful of the audience and the specific context to ensure the phrase effectively communicates the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experience discomfort

Focuses on the sensory experience of something unpleasant, rather than the broader concept of suffering.

be subjected to pain

Focuses on the act of being exposed to pain, often by an external force.

endure agony

Highlights the intensity and prolonged nature of the pain being experienced.

undergo torment

Implies a severe and prolonged experience of suffering, either physical or mental.

feel anguish

Emphasizes the emotional or mental distress associated with the experience.

be afflicted with pain

Focuses on the state of being burdened or troubled by pain.

bear the brunt

Implies enduring the most severe part of a negative experience or attack.

live through hardship

Highlights the act of surviving a difficult and painful situation.

labor under adversity

Suggests facing challenges and hardships that cause distress.

grapple with suffering

Implies actively struggling to cope with the pain and distress.

FAQs

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

You can use "suffer pain" to describe the experience of physical or emotional distress, as in "The patient began to suffer pain after the surgery" or "The community continues to suffer pain from the economic downturn."

What are some alternatives to "suffer pain"?

Alternatives include "experience discomfort", "endure agony", or "feel anguish", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "suffering pain" instead of "suffer pain"?

"Suffering pain" is grammatically correct, but it's a continuous form implying an ongoing state. "Suffer pain" is more general and can refer to a single instance or a repeated experience. The best choice depends on the intended meaning.

Can "suffer pain" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "suffer pain" can be used metaphorically to describe emotional or psychological distress, as in "The company began to suffer pain from the loss of market share".