waves of pain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waves of pain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong, overwhelming sensation of pain that comes in intervals or surges. Example: "After the accident, she experienced waves of pain that made it difficult to concentrate on anything else."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 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

The rest of the night was a blur of tests and treatments punctuated by slowly diminishing waves of pain and nausea.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Amplitudes of the N1, N2, and P2 waves of pain-related potentials were assessed by averaging single-trial amplitude values across predefined time windows10,28,62,63,64.

Nature

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

The Washington Post

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

The New Yorker

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical or emotional distress, use "waves of pain" to convey the cyclical or recurring nature of the sensation. This helps the reader visualize the experience as something that comes and goes in intensity, rather than a constant, unchanging state.

Common error

Avoid using "waves of pain" to describe constant, unremitting pain. This phrase is most effective when the pain fluctuates in intensity. If the pain is constant, consider using phrases like "chronic pain" or "unyielding pain" for better accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waves of pain" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a recurring or fluctuating sensation of pain, often used to emphasize the episodic nature of the experience, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "waves of pain" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes the recurring or fluctuating nature of intense physical or emotional suffering. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples across various contexts. While less frequent than some other pain descriptors, it effectively conveys the episodic nature of the sensation. When using this phrase, remember to consider the context and ensure it accurately reflects the cyclical experience, differentiating it from constant or unremitting pain. Alternatives like "bursts of pain" or "surges of pain" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific characteristics you wish to emphasize.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surges of pain

Highlights the rising and falling nature of the pain, similar to waves.

torrents of pain

Conveys an overwhelming and continuous flow of pain.

bursts of pain

Emphasizes sudden, short-lived instances of pain.

onslaught of pain

Conveys a relentless and overwhelming experience of pain.

shocks of pain

Highlights the sudden, unexpected nature of the pain.

attacks of pain

Similar to 'fits', but implies a more aggressive and sudden onset.

throes of agony

Focuses on the extreme intensity and suffering.

paroxysms of pain

Emphasizes sharp, sudden, and intense episodes of pain.

fits of pain

Suggests intermittent and uncontrollable episodes of pain.

outbursts of pain

Highlights the sudden and uncontrolled expression of pain.

FAQs

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

You can use "waves of pain" to describe physical or emotional distress that comes in surges. For example, "After the surgery, she experienced "waves of pain" that made sleeping difficult."

What can I say instead of "waves of pain"?

Alternatives to "waves of pain" include "bursts of pain", "surges of pain", or "throes of agony", depending on the specific context and intensity you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "waves of pain" to describe emotional suffering?

Yes, "waves of pain" can effectively describe emotional suffering, highlighting its recurring and intense nature. For instance, "He felt "waves of pain" after the loss of his friend."

How does "waves of pain" differ from "constant pain"?

"Waves of pain" implies that the pain comes and goes in intensity, like waves, while "constant pain" suggests that the pain is continuous and unremitting. The key difference is the fluctuation versus the persistence of the sensation.