was suffering from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was suffering from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone experiencing a negative condition, such as an illness or emotional distress. Example: "After months of feeling unwell, she finally admitted that she was suffering from anxiety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

China actually was suffering from famine.

The Economist

He was suffering from the flu.

The New York Times

I was suffering from altitude sickness.

The New York Times - Travel

(He was suffering from AIDS).

The New York Times

Lutie was suffering from nerves.

The New Yorker

She was suffering from exhaustion.

The New Yorker

She was suffering from altitude sickness.

The New York Times

She was suffering from scoliosis and spondylolisthesis.

The Guardian - Sport

By then, I was suffering from hypothermia.

The New York Times

His brother was suffering from an addiction.

The New Yorker

She was suffering from severe depression.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs like 'battled' or 'endured' if you want to emphasize the struggle involved. For example: "He battled with depression for years."

Common error

Avoid using "was suffering from" with overly general nouns like "problems" or "issues." Be specific about the source of suffering to make your writing more impactful and informative. Instead of "was suffering from problems", specify "was suffering from financial difficulties".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was suffering from" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of experiencing pain, distress, or hardship. It connects a subject with a condition or ailment they are enduring. Ludwig provides numerous examples where individuals or entities are described as being in this state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was suffering from" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone experiencing a negative condition. Ludwig AI indicates that it's widely employed in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. While generally neutral in register, the specific context can influence the level of formality. It is important to ensure that the condition being suffered from is clearly specified to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "experienced symptoms of" or "struggled with" can be used depending on the desired emphasis. Avoiding overuse with vague nouns is also key to clear and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experienced symptoms of

Focuses on the manifestation of symptoms rather than the underlying condition.

endured the effects of

Emphasizes the lasting impact or consequences of a condition.

struggled with

Highlights the effort and difficulty involved in dealing with a condition.

battled against

Suggests a more active and ongoing fight against a condition.

was afflicted by

Implies a more passive reception of a negative condition.

was affected by

A more general term indicating influence or impact, not necessarily negative.

labored under

Suggests a heavy burden or difficulty caused by a condition.

dealt with

A broader term indicating management or handling of a situation.

lived with

Focuses on the ongoing experience of managing a chronic condition.

carried the burden of

Highlights the emotional or physical weight associated with a condition.

FAQs

How can I use "was suffering from" in a sentence?

Use "was suffering from" to describe a state of experiencing pain, distress, or hardship due to a specific condition. For example, "She was suffering from a severe cold" or "The company was suffering from financial losses".

What can I say instead of "was suffering from"?

You can use alternatives like "experienced symptoms of", "struggled with", or "was afflicted by" depending on the context.

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

While "is suffering with" isn't grammatically incorrect, "was suffering from" is more commonly used and generally preferred, especially in formal writing. "Suffering with" often implies enduring something alongside another person or group.

What is the difference between "was suffering from" and "had"?

"Was suffering from" implies a period of experiencing distress or hardship, whereas "had" simply indicates possession or existence of something. For example, "She was suffering from a headache" suggests she was in pain, while "She had a headache" merely states she experienced one.