the agony

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the agony" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe intense physical or emotional pain or suffering. Example: "After the accident, he was in the agony of his injuries, unable to move without wincing in pain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The agony already has.

The New Yorker

Oh, the agony!

The New York Times

Ah, the agony.

The New York Times

The agony of defeat.

The New York Times

The agony of war".

The New York Times

You're only prolonging the agony otherwise".

The New Yorker

Relief that the agony was over.

Independent

The agony of naming a novel.

The New Yorker

The agony lasted over 70 years.

The Economist

Meanwhile, the agony of the families continues.

Independent

This is the agony of Syria today.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "the agony" when describing a prolonged or particularly difficult period of suffering, suggesting a deep and significant experience.

Common error

Avoid using "the agony" to describe minor inconveniences or slight discomfort. It is a strong term that should be reserved for truly intense experiences. Reserve more moderate alternatives like "the discomfort" or "the annoyance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the agony" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting a state of intense suffering. Ludwig examples highlight its use in various contexts, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the agony" is a noun phrase used to describe intense suffering, whether physical or emotional. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its frequent appearance in diverse sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC highlights its common usage. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where the suffering is truly profound, avoiding overuse in mild contexts. Consider alternatives like "the suffering" or "the torment" for slightly different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the suffering

Emphasizes the state of enduring pain or hardship, a more general term than "the agony".

the torment

Highlights the aspect of mental or physical torture, suggesting a prolonged and severe suffering.

the anguish

Focuses on deep mental or emotional distress, often related to grief or anxiety.

the pain

A broader term referring to physical or emotional discomfort, less intense than "the agony".

the distress

Implies a state of being troubled or worried, often caused by external factors.

the hardship

Focuses on the difficult conditions or circumstances one must endure.

the ordeal

Refers to a difficult or painful experience, often involving a test of endurance.

the tribulation

Emphasizes the challenges and difficulties faced, often with religious connotations.

the woe

Expresses grief or sorrow, often in a poetic or literary context.

the affliction

Highlights the state of being affected by something that causes suffering or distress.

FAQs

How can I use "the agony" in a sentence?

"The agony" is typically used to describe intense physical or emotional suffering. For example, "The athlete felt "the agony" of defeat after losing the championship game" or "She described "the agony" of losing her loved one".

What phrases are similar to "the agony"?

Similar phrases include "the suffering", "the torment", "the anguish", and "the pain". The best choice depends on the specific context and the intensity of the suffering you wish to convey.

Is it ever appropriate to use "the agony" in a lighthearted way?

While "the agony" typically denotes severe suffering, it can be used humorously or ironically to exaggerate a minor discomfort or frustration. However, consider your audience and context to ensure it's well-received.

What is the difference between "the agony" and "the ecstasy"?

"The agony" refers to intense suffering, while "the ecstasy" refers to overwhelming joy or delight. They represent opposite ends of the emotional spectrum. The expression "the agony and the ecstasy" is often used to describe the extremes of human experience.