they suffered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they suffered" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a group of people experiencing pain, difficulty, or hardship. Example: During the war, many families were displaced and they suffered greatly, struggling to find food and shelter.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They suffered for it.

The New York Times

They suffered graze wounds.

The New York Times

Before they died, they suffered.

The New York Times

But they suffered for it".

The New Yorker

They suffered from smoke inhalation.

The New Yorker

They suffered there.

The Guardian

How they suffered.

The Guardian - Sport

They suffered so much.

The Guardian

They suffered detention and made sacrifices.

Independent

In camps in Lebanon they suffered massacres.

The Economist

In Canada, they suffered their first hardships.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they suffered", ensure the context clearly defines who "they" refers to, and the nature of their suffering is evident, whether physical, emotional, or circumstantial.

Common error

Avoid using "they suffered" without specifying the cause or nature of the suffering. Overuse without detail can diminish the impact and leave the reader unclear about the severity or type of hardship experienced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they suffered" functions as a verb phrase indicating that a group experienced pain, hardship, or distress. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing past events where a group of people or entities underwent negative experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they suffered" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe the experience of hardship or pain by a group. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and prevalence in diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, science and wiki. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about who "they" refers to and the nature of their suffering. Alternatives include phrases like "they endured hardships" or "they experienced difficulties", each offering a slightly different nuance. Be mindful of vague references and provide specific details to maximize the impact and understanding of the suffering described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they endured hardships

Emphasizes the prolonged nature of the suffering and the ability to withstand it.

they experienced difficulties

Focuses on the challenges and problems faced, rather than the pain or distress.

they faced adversity

Highlights the opposition and unfavorable conditions encountered.

they went through torment

Intensifies the degree of suffering, suggesting severe mental or physical pain.

they bore the brunt

Indicates that they were the primary recipients of negative consequences or force.

they were afflicted

Suggests a negative condition or disease that caused suffering.

they were subjected to

Implies that the suffering was imposed upon them by an external force or circumstance.

they were victims of

Designates them as targets of harmful actions or events.

they were devastated

Highlights the emotional impact of the suffering, emphasizing feelings of shock and grief.

they were tested

Focuses on challenging situations that push people to their limits and cause suffering.

FAQs

How can I use "they suffered" in a sentence?

Use "they suffered" to describe a group's experience of hardship, pain, or loss. For example, "During the famine, "they suffered" from starvation and disease."

What are some alternatives to saying "they suffered"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "they endured hardships", "they experienced difficulties", or "they faced adversity".

Is it grammatically correct to say "they suffered"?

Yes, "they suffered" is grammatically correct. "They" is a plural pronoun, and "suffered" is the past tense form of the verb "suffer", indicating a past experience of hardship.

What's the difference between "they suffered" and "they struggled"?

"They suffered" emphasizes the experience of pain or hardship, while "they struggled" highlights the effort to overcome difficulties. While related, "they suffered" focuses on the impact, and "they struggled" focuses on the attempt to cope.