suffer from some sort of illness

[angliholic]

Rita suffers from some sort of illness, but I am not sure what it is.


Hi,

Is "from" in the above optional? If not, what meaning does it add to the sentence? Thanks.

[banderas]

Originally Posted by angliholic

Rita suffers from some sort of illness, but I am not sure what it is.


Hi,

Is "from" in the above optional? If not, what meaning does it add to the sentence? Thanks.

There are subtle differences, sometimes invisible for many.
suffer from is continous (over some period of time) and means suffer pain from= suffer because of something
suffer something means undergo in reference to certain moments in time, =suffer it

I suffer from a flu and
I suffer a heart attack

there are also other forms to compare
suffer from:
Used to indicate a source, cause, agent, or instrument

suffer with:
As a result or consequence of: sick with the flu.

It is all about what you want to stress
If you suffer from poverty=you suffer because of this poverty.
If you suffer poverty=you suffer this poverty.

There is also a verb "endure" to make it "easier"Can you compare suffer with endure, please?
cheers

[Anglika]

Originally Posted by banderas

If you suffer from poverty=you suffer because of this povert.????
If you suffer a povert=you suffer this poverty. ?????

.

Typo?

Incidentally, the use of "a poverty" is restricted to a poverty of something [resources/talent/money].

He suffers a poverty of talent. His sculpture is turgid and ugly.

[banderas]

Originally Posted by Anglika

.

Typo?

Incidentally, the use of "a poverty" is restricted to a poverty of something [resources/talent/money].

He suffers a poverty of talent. His sculpture is turgid and ugly.

yes, typo, thank you.