terrible agony

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terrible agony" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of extreme physical or emotional pain. Example: "After the accident, he was in terrible agony, unable to move or speak."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Davie and Edwards sounded just the slightest bit wistful about all that terrible agony.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Dickinson bled to death over many hours, in terrible agony, according to accounts.

The New York Times

All that human beings want is to be saved from the great anxiety and terrible agony they endure at present in making a free decision for themselves.

The New York Times

"I have gone through some terrible agony myself which I do not understand yet, and which has left me utterly bewildered and dazed" (April , 1924.

The New Yorker

And yet it is also part of the terrible agony of cot death – or sudden infant death syndrome – that it comes entirely without explanation.

The Guardian - Opinion

So we may speak of the well-being of someone who is, and will remain in, the most terrible agony: their well-being is negative, and such that their life is worse for them than no life at all.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Operating the D.H.2 in 1916, he suffered terrible agonies as adequate blood circulation returned to his muscles once he reached terra firma.

Wikipedia

Is it even possible for us, in the year 2013, to understand and fully appreciate the terrible suffering and agony that generations and generations of the ancient Hebrew people experienced?

Huffington Post

Bob Herbert ("The Agony of War," column, April 25) is almost single-handedly trying to arouse the deadened conscience of Americans to the terrible suffering of civilians in our war in Iraq.

The New York Times

When he said, the following morning, "the pain is terrible," that meant agony.

The New York Times

It's hard to describe the initial shock, the terrible bewilderment, the agonies.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terrible agony" to vividly describe situations of intense physical or emotional pain, especially when aiming to evoke a strong emotional response in the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "terrible agony" to describe mild discomfort or everyday frustrations; reserve it for situations involving truly extreme suffering to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terrible agony" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically serving to intensify the noun "agony". As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and commonly used to portray extreme physical or emotional pain.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "terrible agony" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English to describe situations involving intense physical or emotional pain. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and while it's not the most frequent phrase, its presence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian lends it credibility. When using "terrible agony", remember to reserve it for situations of genuine severity to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "excruciating pain" or "intense suffering" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. Therefore be cautious in your word selection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excruciating pain

Emphasizes the physical pain aspect more strongly than "terrible agony".

horrendous suffering

Stresses the shocking and appalling nature of the suffering.

intense suffering

Focuses on the overall experience of suffering, encompassing both physical and emotional aspects.

acute distress

Highlights the emotional and mental anguish involved.

unbearable anguish

Stresses the overwhelming and intolerable nature of the suffering.

severe torment

Implies a more prolonged and relentless form of suffering.

extreme pain

A more direct and less nuanced way of expressing intense physical pain.

grievous pain

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of describing severe pain.

deep sorrow

Focuses specifically on emotional pain and grief.

great misery

Highlights the overall state of unhappiness and wretchedness.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "terrible agony" in a sentence?

Use "terrible agony" to depict extreme physical or emotional suffering. For instance, "The victim was in "terrible agony" after the accident."

What are some alternatives to "terrible agony"?

You could use alternatives such as "excruciating pain", "intense suffering", or "unbearable anguish" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Consider also "acute distress".

Is "terrible agony" a formal or informal expression?

"Terrible agony" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for various contexts, but it carries a strong emotional weight. For more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "grievous pain".

What kind of suffering does "terrible agony" typically describe?

"Terrible agony" can refer to both physical and emotional suffering. However, it often implies a combination of both, suggesting an experience that is intensely painful on multiple levels. Alternatively you can describe "intense suffering" instead.