throes

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "throes" is correct and usable in written English.
It usually means intense pain and suffering, or extreme difficulty or struggle. For example, "The country was in the throes of a civil war."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Austria, Slovakia, Croatia and the Czech Republic are in the throes of sleaze allegations involving senior politicians and governing parties said to be funded by dirty money.

The Guardian

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People NAACPP) said America was "in the throes of a national crisis" as the Urban League declared a "state of emergency of tremendous proportions".

The Guardian

That decision was, we must hope, the death throes of New Labour's novel definition of local democracy - the right of the people to choose as long as they make the choice that the government wants.

The Guardian - Opinion

Austria, Slovakia, Croatia, and the Czech Republic are in the throes of major sleaze allegations involving senior politicians and governing parties said to be funded by dirty money.

The Guardian

Kerry called it a "very turbulent year" and noted that when the 57-state OSCE met last year, Ukraine protesters were in the throes of demanding a new government in Kiev.

The Guardian

Tsipras and Varoufakis should have seen this coming, because the same thing happened two years ago, when Cyprus, in the throes of a banking crisis, attempted to defy the EU.

The Guardian - Business

Even though nothing physical has happened, you're in the throes of an emotional affair.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Although the action takes place a mere 15 years ago, this is a different kind of Britain, deep in the throes of the last great display of union strength.

The Guardian - Film

Not to be confused with the fruitcakey world of John Waters movies or the sentimental place depicted in the work of Barry Levinson, The Wire's Baltimore is a city in its death throes, fighting to hang on to its very soul.

The Guardian

That may not happen if Mr Palocci is weakened or driven from office.In this section Palocci under siege Death throes War of words A snorting victory Fundamentally gangsterism Correction: the Gomery inquiry ReprintsOne of the minister's problems is that his success can look like failure.

The Economist

FISHING, journalism, and the death throes of the Swedish social system are the unpromising ingredients of Andrew Brown's thought-provoking autobiographical memoir.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "throes" to vividly describe a period of intense struggle, pain, or change. It adds dramatic weight to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "throes" for mild situations or minor inconveniences. The word implies a significant level of difficulty or suffering; using it inappropriately can sound exaggerated or melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "throes" is as a plural noun, often used with a preposition like "in" or "of". It describes a state of intense struggle or suffering, consistent with Ludwig AI's assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "throes" is a grammatically correct and frequently used plural noun that signifies a state of intense struggle or suffering. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. It commonly appears in news and formal business contexts, emphasizing severity and turmoil. While its register leans towards formal, it maintains neutrality, making it suitable for objective reporting. When employing "throes", consider the intensity you wish to convey, ensuring the context warrants such a dramatic term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

midst of

Replaces the intensity of "throes" with a sense of being actively involved in a situation.

grip of

Suggests being tightly held or controlled by a difficult situation or emotion, similar to the intense struggle implied by "throes".

depths of

Focuses on the lowest or most severe point of a situation, highlighting the intensity of the experience.

height of

Emphasizes the peak or most intense point of a situation, rather than the struggle.

grappling with

Implies a more active and hands-on struggle compared to simply being in the "throes" of something.

struggling with

Directly indicates a struggle, lacking the inherent intensity of "throes" but clearly conveying difficulty.

embroiled in

Highlights the complexity and entanglement of a difficult situation.

caught up in

Suggests being involved in something consuming, but doesn't necessarily convey the same level of distress.

experiencing the worst of

Focuses on the negative aspects and severity of a situation, conveying difficulty and struggle.

undergoing

A more neutral term indicating something is happening or being experienced, without the inherent difficulty of "throes".

FAQs

How is "throes" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "throes" is used to describe a period of intense struggle, pain, or violent movement. For example: "The nation was in the "throes of a revolution"".

What are some alternatives to using "throes"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "midst of", "grip of", or "struggling with".

Is it correct to use "throes" to describe a positive experience?

No, "throes" typically describes a difficult or painful experience, not a positive one. Using it in a positive context would be grammatically incorrect and semantically inappropriate.

What's the difference between "throes" and "struggles"?

"Struggles" is a more general term for any kind of difficulty or effort. "Throes" implies a particularly intense and often violent or convulsive struggle, suggesting a higher degree of distress or turmoil.