Cool MateI agonize a lot vs Suffer
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
I agonize a lot
Top 3,000 (common)
Suffer
Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb
Most common: Suffer
| I agonize a lot | Suffer | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈæɡənaɪz//🇺🇸 //ˈæɡənaɪz// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈsʌfə(r)/","/ˈsʌfəz/","/ˈsʌfəd/","/ˈsʌfərɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈsʌfər/","/ˈsʌfərz/","/ˈsʌfərd/","/ˈsʌfərɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | I worry a lot or feel great pain about something. | to feel pain or distress |
| Example | I agonize a lot over my decisions, fearing I might choose the wrong path. | Many people suffer from anxiety and depression. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | B1 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | agonize over something, agonize about decisions, agonize over choices | a lot, badly, enormously, be likely to, tend to, continue to, for, from, under, suffer in silence, a lot, badly, enormously, be likely to, tend to, continue to, for, from, under, suffer in silence |
| Antonyms | - | enjoy, thrive, prosper |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'agonize' with 'agonizing', which is an adjective., Using 'agonize' without a clear object, as in 'I agonize' instead of specifying what about. | "Suffer with" instead of "suffer from", Using 'suffer' without a specific condition, Mixing up 'suffer' with 'sufferer' as a verb |
| Usage notes | Used when expressing deep worry or emotional pain. Suitable for personal contexts, but avoid in professional or casual light conversation. | Used when someone is experiencing pain or hardship. Avoid in casual contexts where lighter terms are appropriate. |
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Frequently asked questions: I agonize a lot vs Suffer
What's the difference between I agonize a lot and Suffer?
I agonize a lot: I worry a lot or feel great pain about something. Suffer: to feel pain or distress
Which is more common: I agonize a lot and Suffer?
Suffer is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
I agonize a lot: I agonize a lot over my decisions, fearing I might choose the wrong path. Suffer: Many people suffer from anxiety and depression.
Can I use I agonize a lot and Suffer interchangeably?
Not always. I agonize a lot and Suffer are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.