suffers

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "suffers" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb, usually used in the third-person singular present form ("suffers"), meaning "experience pain, distress, or hardship". Example sentence: The economy suffers immensely due to the recent health crisis.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who suffers?

The New York Times - Sports

They'll be able to tell you whether the property suffers from things like damp, or whether the landlord or letting agent is easy to get hold of when issues arise.

The Guardian

In 2008, Sheehan, who suffers from schizoaffective disorder, stopped taking her medication.

The Guardian

According to official statistics, the province still suffers the highest unemployment rate in the country, at more than 20%, double the national average.

The Guardian

He regards the country as a thriving hub for solutions to developmental problems, but also one which suffers from poor enforcement of building codes "in which contractors like to take shortcuts".

The Guardian

He suffers from Dupuytren's contracture, a condition that causes some of his fingers to bend in towards the palm, which can make shaking hands with fans difficult.

The Guardian - Film

Not only are they fronted by Phillip Schofield rather than Norton, but, while the televised Bafta ceremony suffers from existing not to please the audience but to appease the industry, the BSAs, as they are forlornly hoping to become colloquially known, have the even bigger problem of being established to soothe the feelings of one part of television in relation to another.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Dunn said: "My diagnosis is that he does not have a cannabis-induced psychosis but rather that he suffers from schizophrenia.

The Guardian

The separate motion calling for Mosby to stand down from the case listed five arguments that she suffers from a conflict of interest.

The Guardian

However, the type of approach taken by these studies suffers from some significant drawbacks.

The Guardian

Video consumption on mobile phones, which suffers none of these limitations, continues to sky-rocket.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "suffers", clearly specify the cause or source of the suffering to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Ensure that the verb form "suffers" is only used with singular subjects (e.g., "he", "she", "it", "the company"). Using it with plural subjects constitutes a grammatical error. Use "suffer" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "suffers" is as a third-person singular present tense verb. It describes an action or state of experiencing something negative, such as pain, hardship, or damage. As Ludwig AI indicates, the sentence follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "suffers" functions as a third-person singular present tense verb, conveying the experience of hardship or a negative condition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the term is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts, indicating a neutral register. While interchangeable options exist, such as "is afflicted by" or "experiences hardship", understanding the subtle nuances in meaning can enhance clarity and precision in writing. Remember to maintain subject-verb agreement to avoid grammatical errors when using "suffers".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is afflicted by

Replaces "suffers" with a more formal term, emphasizing the presence of a condition or ailment.

is plagued by

Implies a persistent and troublesome source of suffering.

experiences hardship

Uses a more general term, "hardship", to describe the negative experience.

is burdened with

Shifts the focus to the weight or load caused by the negative experience.

is compromised by

Suggests that something has been weakened or made vulnerable as a result of negative circumstances.

is subjected to

Highlights the passive nature of the experience, suggesting an external force causing the suffering.

is impaired by

Indicates a weakening or damaging effect, highlighting a reduction in function or quality.

is affected by

Provides a more neutral alternative, indicating an impact without necessarily implying severe distress.

endures the effects of

Focuses on the lasting consequences of a negative event or condition.

copes with

Emphasizes the act of managing or dealing with a difficult situation or condition.

FAQs

How to use "suffers" in a sentence?

Use "suffers" to indicate that someone or something experiences pain, distress, or hardship. For example, "The company "suffers" from low sales".

What can I say instead of "suffers"?

You can use alternatives like "is afflicted by", "experiences hardship", or "is burdened with" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "suffers" or "suffer"?

"Suffers" is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "suffer", so it is used with singular subjects. "Suffer" is used with plural subjects or the pronouns I, you, we, and they.

What's the difference between "suffers" and "is suffering"?

"Suffers" describes a general or habitual condition, while "is suffering" describes an ongoing or temporary state. For example, "He "suffers" from chronic pain" versus "He "is suffering" from a headache right now".