sustained bruises

USAGE SUMMARY

'sustained bruises' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing someone who has been injured, especially in the form of bruising. For example, "The car accident victim sustained bruises all over her body."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The tourists only sustained bruises but were charged over violence.

The Guardian

Steward noted Sim's face, which sustained "bruises, welts, making his face almost lumpy".

The New York Times - Sports

He sustained bruises, cuts and other minor injuries, the police said.

The New York Times

Ms. White sustained bruises in a fall from a platform eight feet above the stage, he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Two ski jumpers on the team, Andreas Widhoelzl and Martin Hoellwarth, sustained bruises and whiplash, authorities said.

The New York Times - Sports

Riise, who seemingly sustained bruises to his legs, was able to train alongside Bellamy yesterday and may receive a lesser punishment.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Kennedy sustained bruised and swollen vertebrae.

The New York Times - Sports

Nicolas sustained bruising of the brain and a collapsed lung.

The New York Times - Sports

In 1951, he sustained bruised ribs and became a part-time player.

The New York Times - Sports

Forward Gerald Wallace is also questionable; he sustained bruised ribs in a hard fall in the first quarter Friday.

The New York Times - Sports

O'Grady, 35, fractured his right collarbone and broke a rib, and sustained bruising between the lungs and the ribs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical altercations or accidents, using "sustained bruises" adds a level of detail that can help the reader visualize the extent of the injuries.

Common error

Avoid using "sustained bruises" when describing more severe injuries like fractures or lacerations. The phrase specifically refers to bruising, which is a less serious type of trauma.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sustained bruises" functions as a verb phrase + noun combination, where "sustained" acts as a transitive verb describing the action of receiving or incurring bruises. Ludwig provides examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

10%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sustained bruises" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe physical harm involving contusions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, primarily in the news and media category. While versatile, it's important to use it accurately, ensuring it aligns with the severity of the described injuries. Alternatives like "suffered bruising" or "received contusions" can be used for variety or to adjust the level of formality. Remember that the past tense "sustained" indicates a completed action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suffered bruising

Highlights the negative experience of receiving the bruises.

received contusions

Uses a more formal medical term for bruises, indicating a slightly more clinical tone.

experienced bruising

Emphasizes the personal experience of having bruises.

incurred bruising

Emphasizes the process of acquiring the bruises, rather than the state of having them.

showed signs of bruising

Focuses on the visible evidence of bruising, rather than the act of sustaining them.

developed bruises

Suggests the bruises appeared over time, rather than from a single incident.

presented with bruises

Clinical term indicating that the presence of bruises was observed during a medical examination.

bore the marks of bruising

A more descriptive and literary way of saying someone has bruises.

were left with bruises

Highlights the lasting effect of the event that caused the bruising.

picked up bruises

Informal way of saying someone got bruises.

FAQs

How can I use "sustained bruises" in a sentence?

You can use "sustained bruises" to describe injuries someone received, such as "The victim "sustained bruises" after the fall".

What's a good alternative to "sustained bruises"?

Alternatives include "suffered bruising", "received contusions", or "incurred bruising", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "sustain bruises" instead of "sustained bruises"?

No, "sustain bruises" is not correct in most contexts. "Sustained bruises" is the past tense, indicating the action has already happened. "Sustain bruises" would only be correct in a hypothetical or general statement.

What is the difference between ""sustained bruises"" and "sustained injuries"?

"Sustained bruises" specifically refers to contusions. "Sustained injuries" is a broader term that can include bruises, cuts, fractures, and other types of physical harm.