with anguish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with anguish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of deep emotional pain or distress in various contexts, such as literature, personal reflections, or discussions about difficult experiences. Example: "She spoke with anguish about the loss of her beloved pet, her voice trembling with sorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I was overwhelmed with anguish".

The New York Times - Arts

O'Neill watched all this with anguish.

The New Yorker

And the truth this light novel describes is heavy with anguish.

The New York Times - Books

There was a written statement instead, filled with anguish and self-loathing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Those who have sustained a major loss in their lives struggle with anguish.

The New York Times

In his closing aria, he is filled with anguish and loneliness.

The New Yorker

Then he watched with anguish as his layup rolled off the rim.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a classic Piaf number, ending with anguish at the loss of a lover.

Independent

Her face was alive with anguish; tortured by the finality she was facing.

The New York Times - Travel

"I have grappled with anguish and I have been through sheer hell..

The New Yorker

How they felt they were almost out of control with anguish, with fear, with general upset.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with anguish" to vividly depict intense emotional suffering, creating a strong impact on the reader or listener. For example, instead of saying someone was sad, describe them as reacting "with anguish" to a tragic event.

Common error

Avoid using "with anguish" too frequently, as it can diminish its impact. Vary your descriptions of emotional distress by incorporating other phrases and sensory details to maintain the reader's engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with anguish" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed or in what manner a state is experienced. Ludwig's examples show it describing speech, reactions, and even the quality of artistic expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with anguish" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used adverbial phrase that serves to convey deep emotional suffering or distress. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, often used to describe reactions to tragic events or to depict the emotional state of individuals in difficult situations. While the phrase is appropriate for a wide range of writing, varying your descriptions of emotional distress will ensure your writing remains impactful. Several alternative phrases, such as "in deep sorrow" or "in great distress", can be used to express similar sentiments. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is perfectly correct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in agony

Conveys intense suffering, either physical or mental.

in deep agony

Amplifies the level of pain experienced.

in great distress

Focuses on the overall state of suffering and unease.

filled with grief

Highlights the overwhelming sense of loss and bereavement.

suffering intensely

Highlights the intensity of the emotional burden.

in deep sorrow

Emphasizes the profound sadness associated with the experience.

overwhelmed by despair

Stresses the feeling of hopelessness and lack of resolution.

wracked with pain

Highlights the physical and emotional toll of the anguish.

consumed by torment

Implies an intense and prolonged period of suffering.

bitterly

Focuses on the resentment and disappointment associated with the experience.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "with anguish" in a sentence?

Use "with anguish" to describe a character's intense emotional pain or distress, especially when reacting to a significant event. For example: "She spoke "with anguish" about the loss of her home."

What are some alternatives to "with anguish"?

You can use alternatives like "in deep sorrow", "filled with grief", or "in great distress" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "filled with anguish"?

Yes, "filled with anguish" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning to ""with anguish"", emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the distress.

What is the difference between "with anguish" and "with sorrow"?

"With anguish" implies a more intense and prolonged suffering than "with sorrow". Anguish suggests deep mental or physical pain, while sorrow often refers to sadness or regret.