What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
afflict
Example
The disease afflicts millions of people worldwide. [afflicts: verb]
Example
The country was afflicted by a severe drought that lasted for months. [afflicted: past participle]
trouble
Example
I'm having trouble with my computer. [trouble: noun]
Example
She's been troubled by financial problems for months. [troubled: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Trouble is more commonly used than afflict in everyday language. Trouble is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while afflict is less common and tends to be used in more formal or serious situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between afflict and trouble?
Afflict is more formal than trouble and is typically used in more serious or somber contexts. Trouble is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.