What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pain
Example
The pain in my leg is getting worse. [pain: noun]
Example
She felt a sharp pain in her chest and called for help. [pain: noun]
Example
It pains me to see you suffer like this. [pain: verb]
hurt
Example
He hurt his ankle while playing soccer. [hurt: verb]
Example
The breakup really hurt her feelings. [hurt: verb]
Example
My muscles are sore and hurt after the workout. [hurt: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pain is more commonly used than hurt in everyday language, especially when referring to physical discomfort or medical conditions. Hurt is more commonly used to describe emotional pain or psychological distress.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pain and hurt?
Both pain and hurt can be used in formal and informal contexts, but pain is generally considered more formal and scientific, while hurt is more informal and colloquial.
