terrible pain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terrible pain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a severe or intense level of discomfort or suffering, often in a medical or emotional context. Example: "After the accident, she experienced terrible pain in her leg that required immediate medical attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He's in terrible pain".

The New York Times

He was in terrible pain.

The New Yorker

I was in terrible pain.

Independent

The immediacy of terrible pain.

The Guardian

It included terrible pain and loss.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So there was terrible pain about that.

The Guardian - Books

Here they are expressing terrible pain.

The Guardian - Books

So I do, in terrible pain.

The Guardian - Sport

Then she had terrible pain in her middle.

The New Yorker

The neglect can lead to terrible pain for the residents.

The New York Times

He was howling as though in terrible pain.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing emotional distress, consider if "terrible pain" accurately captures the specific emotion. Alternatives like "heartbreak" or "grief" might be more precise.

Common error

While "terrible pain" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise medical or technical terms when describing physical pain to maintain objectivity and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "terrible pain" is to act as a noun phrase that describes a state of intense physical or emotional suffering. It often functions as the object of a verb or the subject complement, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “terrible pain” is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe intense physical or emotional suffering. Ludwig's analysis indicates its frequent use in News & Media, Academia and Science, reflecting its broad applicability. While direct and widely understood, writers should consider the context and audience, opting for more precise language in formal settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English, serving to effectively convey a significant degree of discomfort or distress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extreme pain

A direct synonym, emphasizing the high degree of pain experienced.

excruciating pain

Indicates a higher degree of intensity compared to "terrible pain".

unbearable agony

Emphasizes the overwhelming and intolerable nature of the pain.

agonizing pain

Focuses on the prolonged and tormenting nature of the pain.

intense suffering

Shifts the focus from physical sensation to overall distress.

crushing pain

Suggests a pain that feels heavy and oppressive.

piercing pain

Describes a sharp, intense, localized pain.

acute distress

Highlights the sudden and intense onset of suffering.

severe discomfort

Suggests a less acute but still significant level of unease.

grievous pain

Conveys a sense of deep sorrow and suffering.

FAQs

How can I use "terrible pain" in a sentence?

You can use "terrible pain" to describe intense physical or emotional suffering. For example: "She was in terrible pain after the accident", or "The loss of her friend caused her terrible pain".

What are some synonyms for "terrible pain"?

Alternatives include "excruciating pain", "intense suffering", or "severe discomfort", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "terrible pain" a formal or informal expression?

"Terrible pain" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both informal and formal contexts. However, in highly formal or scientific writing, more precise medical terminology might be preferred.

What's the difference between "terrible pain" and "horrific pain"?

"Horrific pain" implies a greater degree of intensity and trauma than "terrible pain". "Horrific pain" suggests a shocking or deeply disturbing level of suffering.