suffering with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suffering with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who is experiencing pain or distress alongside another person or group. Example: "She has been suffering with her friend through the difficult times they both face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"With the families of those who suffered, we are suffering with them, their grief.

The Guardian

"Alan is suffering with it," Sailer says.

The New York Times - Magazine

Suffering with moments of reprieve".

The Guardian

Compassion – "suffering with" – was Jesus's greatest quality.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Agriculture is suffering with international impacts.

The Guardian

I had been suffering with real bad ulcers.

The New York Times - Magazine

Harrington said Moscow Flyer had been suffering with colic.

The Guardian - Sport

Burundi leads the world in suffering with forty per cent.

The New Yorker

Milan are not the only ones suffering with injuries, however.

The Guardian - Sport

Of these, only 195 were suffering with PTSD.

The Guardian

Messi was not alone in suffering with the conditions.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "suffering with" to express empathy or shared experience in challenging times. For example, "We are suffering with the families affected by the disaster."

Common error

Avoid using "suffering with" when you only intend to convey general difficulty or discomfort. Be sure to specify what exactly one is experiencing; otherwise, it sounds incomplete. For instance, instead of saying "I am suffering with", specify "I am suffering with a cold" or "I am suffering with the loss."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suffering with" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjectival modifier to describe the state of a noun. It indicates the experience of hardship alongside something or someone. Ludwig provides examples of its use in various contexts, reinforcing its grammatical correctness and wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

37%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "suffering with" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to convey empathy, shared experience, or the coexistence of difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and common across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific publications. While versatile, it’s crucial to ensure specificity to avoid ambiguity and, when writing, select alternatives like "struggling with" or "dealing with" to more accurately reflect the intended meaning. Considering its prevalence and the insights provided by Ludwig, mastering its appropriate use is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

struggling with

Focuses more on the active effort to overcome a challenge, rather than simply experiencing it.

dealing with

Implies a more active and problem-solving approach to a difficult situation.

coping with

Specifically refers to the strategies used to manage difficult circumstances.

enduring

Emphasizes the duration and resilience in facing hardship, removing the "with" preposition.

experiencing

A more neutral term, simply indicating the presence of something unpleasant, without the implication of difficulty.

battling

Highlights the active fight against something negative, suggesting a more intense struggle.

contending with

Indicates a struggle or competition against something challenging.

grappling with

Suggests a physical or mental struggle to understand or overcome something.

facing

A more direct term for encountering difficulty. Not as specific as “suffering”.

undergoing

Implies a process of experiencing something, often unpleasant or challenging.

FAQs

How can I use "suffering with" in a sentence?

Use "suffering with" to describe experiencing pain, distress, or hardship alongside someone or something. For example, "She is suffering with anxiety" or "The company is suffering with the economic downturn".

What are some alternatives to "suffering with"?

You can use alternatives like "struggling with", "dealing with", or "coping with" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "suffering with" instead of "suffering from"?

"Suffering with" implies experiencing something alongside others or another factor, while "suffering from" indicates the direct cause of the suffering. For example, "suffering with grief" versus "suffering from a disease".

Is "suffering with" grammatically correct?

Yes, "suffering with" is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly to express shared experience or empathy. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is common and usable in written English.