wave of pain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wave of pain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and overwhelming sensation of pain that feels as if it is crashing over someone, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "As she took a deep breath, a wave of pain surged through her body, leaving her momentarily breathless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Then a wave of pain overwhelms him, and his body curls in on itself.

The New Yorker

A torrential wave of pain and grief filling every atom of your body.

The Washington Post

But they would likely suffer disproportionately in a stock market crash, says Hayes. "Individual investors buying on margin would feel the first wave of pain," he says.

Forbes

It helps us deal with the first wave of pain.

HuffPost

Immediately a fresh wave of pain washes over me, gripping my muscles.

HuffPost

Trump, he said, "is riding on a wave of pain that he never has felt".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Waves of pain ran along his arm.

The New York Times

She explained that he'd been having these waves of pain all morning.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He was home, filled with toxins and tumors, fear and waves of pain, bald and tired.

The New Yorker

But, we can use these waves of pain to inform our moral commitment to the present and future.

The Guardian

Waves of pain lapped from my abdomen into my chest as the venom worked its way toward my heart.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wave of pain" to describe a sudden, overwhelming sensation, whether physical or emotional. Ensure the context clearly indicates the source and nature of the pain for maximum impact.

Common error

Avoid using "wave of pain" in overly casual or trivial situations, as it can sound melodramatic. Reserve it for scenarios where the intensity of the pain warrants such a strong expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wave of pain" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its use in describing intense physical or emotional suffering, aligning with examples found in reputable sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wave of pain" is a noun phrase effectively used to describe a sudden and overwhelming sensation of pain, whether physical or emotional. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English, though more common in news and media contexts. When using "wave of pain", ensure the context warrants such a strong expression, avoiding overuse in trivial situations. Similar phrases include "surge of pain" or "rush of pain", offering subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surge of pain

This phrase suggests a sudden and powerful increase in pain, similar to a wave, but perhaps more abrupt.

rush of pain

Implies a quick and intense onset of pain, emphasizing speed over the sustained feeling of a wave.

flood of pain

Suggests a widespread and encompassing feeling of pain, highlighting its pervasive nature.

tide of pain

Evokes a gradual increase and decrease in pain, like the ebb and flow of a tide, suggesting a cyclical nature.

bout of pain

Indicates a distinct period or episode of pain, focusing on the time-limited aspect.

attack of pain

Implies a sudden and aggressive onset of pain, emphasizing its forceful nature.

pang of pain

Suggests a sharp, sudden, and brief feeling of pain, often emotional.

stab of pain

Indicates a sudden, piercing, and localized pain, like being stabbed.

throes of pain

Implies a state of intense suffering and struggle with pain, focusing on the experience of agony.

agony

A general term indicating extreme physical or mental suffering.

FAQs

How can I use "wave of pain" in a sentence?

You can use "wave of pain" to describe a sudden and intense feeling of physical or emotional suffering. For example, "A "wave of pain" washed over her as she remembered the accident."

What phrases are similar to "wave of pain"?

Similar phrases include "surge of pain", "rush of pain", or "flood of pain", each conveying a slightly different nuance of intensity and duration.

Is it appropriate to use "wave of pain" in formal writing?

Yes, "wave of pain" can be used in formal writing, especially when describing intense emotional or physical experiences. However, ensure the tone and context are appropriate for such a strong expression.

What's the difference between "wave of pain" and "pang of pain"?

"Wave of pain" suggests a sustained and overwhelming sensation, while "pang of pain" implies a sharp, sudden, and brief feeling. The "wave" is more encompassing, while the "pang" is more localized and fleeting.