What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
underwent
Example
She underwent surgery to remove the tumor. [underwent: past tense]
Example
The company underwent a major restructuring last year. [underwent: past tense]
suffered
Example
He suffered a heart attack last year. [suffered: past tense]
Example
The town suffered significant damage from the hurricane. [suffered: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Suffered is more commonly used than underwent in everyday language. Suffered is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while underwent is less common and typically used in formal or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between underwent and suffered?
Underwent is more formal than suffered. It is often used in medical or technical contexts, while suffered can be used in both formal and informal contexts.