to suffer from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to suffer from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about a condition or feeling that a person is experiencing or has been experiencing for a long time. For example: Mary suffers from chronic back pain.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He began to suffer from tinnitus.

Independent

BIOLOGISTS used to suffer from physics envy.

The Economist

I began to suffer from depression.

The Guardian

He began to suffer from dementia.

The New York Times - Magazine

I started to suffer from it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Most likely to: Suffer from lazyitis.

The Guardian - Music

I used to suffer from chronic depression and anxiety.

Harvard University

I used to suffer from migraines once every month.

Harvard University

I used to suffer from chronic pain a lot.

Harvard University

Besides, the chimera is expected to suffer from immunogenic issues.

Toxicology Letters

The kitchen seems to suffer from low status.

Energy for Sustainable Development

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to suffer from", ensure the subject is clearly defined and the condition is accurately described to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Patients with diabetes often suffer from neuropathy."

Common error

Avoid using "to suffer from" in overly casual conversation where simpler alternatives like "to have" or "to deal with" would sound more natural. For example, instead of "I suffer from boredom on Sundays", try "I get bored on Sundays".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to suffer from" functions as a verb phrase, specifically an infinitive verb phrase followed by a preposition. It indicates that a subject is experiencing a negative condition, ailment, or hardship. Ludwig confirms its correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to suffer from" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to describe the experience of a negative condition. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. Its frequency is very common across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. While versatile, it is advisable to avoid overuse in informal contexts. Consider alternatives such as "to experience" or "to have" depending on the desired level of formality and nuance. When writing, ensure to define precisely what the subject is suffering from to provide a clear context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to experience

Focuses on the act of undergoing something, removing the inherent negativity associated with "suffer".

to be afflicted with

A more formal and often medical way of saying someone has a disease or problem.

to be troubled by

Suggests a milder form of suffering, often referring to recurring but not necessarily severe issues.

to struggle with

Emphasizes the effort required to cope with a condition, focusing on the ongoing challenge.

to be burdened by

Highlights the weight or difficulty a condition adds to someone's life.

to be a victim of

Implies that the condition is something imposed upon the person, outside of their control.

to labor under

A more literary and formal way of expressing being burdened by something.

to contend with

Highlights the ongoing effort to manage or control a condition.

to have

A simpler, more direct way of stating that someone possesses a condition or ailment.

to be diagnosed with

Specifically refers to a condition identified by a medical professional.

FAQs

How can I use "to suffer from" in a sentence?

The phrase "to suffer from" is used to describe the experience of a negative condition or ailment. For example, "Many people "to suffer from anxiety"" or "He "to suffer from chronic pain"".

What are some alternatives to "to suffer from"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to experience", "to be afflicted with", or "to struggle with".

Is it correct to say "suffering with" instead of "to suffer from"?

While "suffering with" is sometimes used, "to suffer from" is generally considered more grammatically correct and formal. "Suffering with" often implies a shared experience or a sense of coping together, while "to suffer from" focuses on the individual's condition.

What is the difference between "to suffer from" and "to have" a condition?

"To suffer from" typically implies a more severe or impactful experience of a condition than simply "to have" it. For instance, saying someone "to suffer from migraines" suggests a greater degree of pain and disruption compared to saying they "to have migraines".