sweating like hell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sweating like hell" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used as an informal expression to describe a person who is sweating a lot, usually because of heat or physical exertion. For example, "I was running around the track, sweating like hell."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Just ask who it is.' 'No, it's the President!' I'm sitting there, I'm sweating like hell.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I'm dizzy and sweating like crazy.

The Guardian

"I was sweating like crazy," he said.

The New York Times

And I was sweating like a lunatic.

The New York Times

"You're sweating like crazy," she said, laughing.

The New Yorker

Kristina's like, "Hell no.

Huffington Post

"I sweat like a pig," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'd love to see some couture sweats — like some pleated sweats or double-breasted sweats," he said.

The New York Times

Do you like sweating?

WikiHow

They hurt like hell.

The New Yorker

Then run like hell.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sweating like hell" to vividly describe extreme physical exertion or nervousness in informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "sweating like hell" in formal or professional writing, as it is considered too informal. Opt for more neutral phrases like "perspiring heavily" or "sweating profusely".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sweating like hell" functions as an idiomatic expression, specifically an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to emphasize the intensity of sweating. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is an informal way to describe excessive perspiration.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "sweating like hell" is an informal way to describe profuse sweating, typically due to heat, physical exertion, or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. While grammatically correct, its informal register makes it unsuitable for formal or professional contexts. Consider alternatives like "perspiring heavily" or "drenched in sweat" in such settings. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media sources, reflecting its common usage in descriptive narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sweating like crazy

Replaces "hell" with "crazy", maintaining the informal tone.

sweating buckets

Similar idiom conveying a large amount of sweat.

sweating bullets

Another idiom that suggests intense sweating due to stress or heat.

sweating profusely

Focuses on the abundance of sweat, removing the idiomatic intensity.

pouring with sweat

Highlights the continuous flow of sweat.

perspiring heavily

A more formal way to describe intense sweating.

drenched in sweat

Emphasizes the state of being completely covered in sweat.

soaking wet with sweat

Emphasizes the wetness caused by sweating.

in a terrible sweat

Focuses on the condition of being very sweaty.

glowing with perspiration

A milder, sometimes euphemistic, way of saying someone is sweating.

FAQs

What does "sweating like hell" mean?

It's an informal idiom used to describe someone who is sweating a lot, usually due to heat, physical activity, or anxiety.

Is "sweating like hell" appropriate in formal writing?

No, it's generally considered too informal for professional or academic contexts. Use more neutral alternatives.

What can I say instead of "sweating like hell"?

You can use alternatives like "sweating profusely", "perspiring heavily", or "drenched in sweat" depending on the context.

Is "sweating like hell" similar to "sweating bullets"?

Yes, both idioms describe excessive sweating, but "sweating bullets" often implies sweating due to stress or fear, whereas "sweating like hell" is more general.