suffered by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suffered by" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe when someone experiences something difficult or unpleasant. For example: Many innocent people suffered by the violence associated with the protest.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

American art suffered by contrast.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(Tells about injuries suffered by players).

The New Yorker

It was the heaviest defeat ever suffered by a cupholder.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Micronutrient deficiencies explain about half the disability suffered by children.

The Economist

Tells about other indirect penalties suffered by the Co.

The New Yorker

There's been no detriment suffered by the union.

The New York Times - Sports

Benedict recalled "the severe persecutions suffered by Armenian Christians".

The New York Times

The light bulb has sort of suffered by comparison".

The New York Times

This law sets right historic wrongs suffered by tribals.

The Guardian

The bereavement suffered by one is real and tearing.

The Guardian - Film

"The disruption suffered by passengers is wholly unacceptable.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "suffered by", consider more impactful synonyms like "harmed by" or "impacted by" for stronger prose.

Common error

Avoid using "suffered by" when the cause of the suffering is indirect or unclear. Instead, use more precise language to specify the direct cause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suffered by" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject has experienced something negative. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to express the experience of hardship or adversity. It connects the subject to the negative experience, highlighting the impact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "suffered by" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the experience of hardship or negative impact. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is widely employed across various contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. While alternatives like "affected by" or "impacted by" exist, "suffered by" effectively conveys a sense of adversity. When writing, ensure the subject experiencing the suffering is clear and the cause is directly linked to the suffering to maintain clarity and impact. Ludwig's examples highlight its widespread use in formal and neutral registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

affected by

Focuses on the impact or influence experienced, rather than the direct experience of suffering.

impacted by

Highlights the effect something has, often implying a negative consequence.

burdened by

Emphasizes the weight or difficulty imposed on someone or something.

afflicted with

Specifically refers to being affected by a disease or ailment.

subjected to

Indicates being forced to experience something, often unpleasant.

harmed by

Directly expresses the experience of being injured or damaged.

disadvantaged by

Focuses on the negative impact on someone's position or opportunities.

compromised by

Highlights the weakening or undermining effect on something's quality or function.

troubled by

Implies a state of worry or distress caused by something.

impaired by

Indicates a reduction in ability or function due to something.

FAQs

How can I use "suffered by" in a sentence?

Use "suffered by" to indicate that someone or something has experienced a negative consequence or hardship. For instance, "The town was "devastated by" the hurricane and the residents suffered greatly by the loss of their homes".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "suffered by"?

Alternatives include "affected by", "impacted by", or "harmed by", which can provide similar meanings depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use the passive voice with "suffered by"?

Yes, "suffered by" is inherently passive. If you prefer an active voice, you might rephrase the sentence to indicate who or what caused the suffering.

What's the difference between "suffered from" and "suffered by"?

"Suffered from" typically relates to an illness or condition (e.g., "suffered from a cold"), while "suffered by" indicates a broader range of negative impacts or consequences (e.g., "suffered by the economic downturn").