we are suffering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are suffering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a state of distress or hardship experienced by a group of people. Example: "In these challenging times, we are suffering from the effects of the pandemic and its impact on our lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"With the families of those who suffered, we are suffering with them, their grief.

The Guardian

What they used to suffer, we are suffering now," he told me.

The New Yorker

"No one else must suffer like we are suffering".

The Guardian

"We are suffering, he says.

Stanford University

We are suffering in this country".

The New York Times

On the other, we are suffering".

The New York Times - Arts

"We are suffering real losses," he said.

The New Yorker

"We are suffering," he said.

The Guardian

But now we are suffering".

The New York Times

"We are suffering too much".

The New York Times

We are suffering from a similar problem.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we are suffering", ensure the context clearly defines who "we" refers to, and what is causing the suffering. This adds clarity and impact to your message.

Common error

Ensure that the source of suffering is clearly identified. Avoid statements like "we are suffering" without specifying the cause, as it can leave the audience confused or unsympathetic. Instead, be specific: "We are suffering due to the economic downturn" is more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are suffering" functions as a statement expressing a shared experience of hardship or distress. Based on Ludwig AI, this phrase clearly communicates that a group is undergoing a difficult or painful situation, as shown in many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

19%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we are suffering" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a shared experience of hardship or distress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s versatile enough to be used in various contexts, from news reports to academic discussions, and even personal testimonials. While generally neutral in register, the specific context dictates its formality. For clarity, it's best to define who "we" refers to and specify the cause of the suffering. Alternatives like "we are in distress" or "we are struggling" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings, each with slightly different implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are feeling the pain

Substitutes "suffering" with "feeling the pain", directly addressing the emotional or physical discomfort.

we are in distress

Replaces "suffering" with "in distress", suggesting a state of acute mental or emotional pain.

we are enduring hardship

Substitutes "suffering" with "enduring hardship", emphasizing the prolonged nature of the difficulty.

we are struggling

Substitutes "suffering" with "struggling", focusing on the effort to overcome challenges.

we are facing difficulties

Replaces "suffering" with "facing difficulties", softening the expression to suggest challenges rather than intense pain.

we are in dire straits

Substitutes "suffering" with "in dire straits", indicating a severely difficult situation with little chance of improvement.

we are experiencing adversity

Uses "experiencing adversity" instead of "suffering", framing the situation as encountering unfavorable conditions.

we are bearing the brunt

Replaces "suffering" with "bearing the brunt", indicating that the group is receiving the main force of something negative.

we are going through a difficult time

Replaces "suffering" with a more general expression of hardship, suggesting a temporary state.

we are under pressure

Replaces "suffering" with "under pressure", suggesting stress and strain from external forces.

FAQs

What does "we are suffering" mean?

The phrase "we are suffering" expresses a state of distress, hardship, or pain experienced by a group of people. It indicates that the group is undergoing difficulties and negative experiences.

What can I say instead of "we are suffering"?

You can use alternatives like "we are in distress", "we are enduring hardship", or "we are struggling" depending on the context.

How can I use "we are suffering" in a sentence?

Use "we are suffering" to describe a situation where a group is experiencing hardship. For example: "Due to the drought, "we are suffering" from a lack of clean water".

Is it appropriate to use "we are suffering" in formal writing?

Yes, "we are suffering" can be appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing the impact of events or policies on a specific group. However, consider the audience and context, and ensure the tone is empathetic and professional.