[Vocabulary] Suffer from

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UM Chakma

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Hi there,

I am a bit confused about this word "suffer". I have always been using it with "from" after it, but there are plenty of examples that not all the time it is followed by "from".
For example, I use it this way; I am suffering from a severe fever. Can I express it as "I am suffering a sever fever", if it is not followed by "from" sometimes?

In addition, how can I usually distinguish that when needs "from" and when no need?

Thanks.
 
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konungursvia

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Just use it with 'from' unless you mean it as a synonym for 'tolerate.' Example: I cannot suffer loud children.
 

teechar

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Just use it with 'from' unless you mean it as a synonym for 'tolerate.' Example: I cannot suffer loud children.
I don't agree.
"suffer from" wouldn't really work in:
- The currency suffered a setback after rallying for three weeks in a row.
- Two police officers suffered minor injuries at the protest.
- He suffered intense discomfort before eventually falling asleep.
 

UM Chakma

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Teechar, I appreciate your disagreement. By the way! as you've interfered, why don't you just answer my question, of course only if possible.
 

konungursvia

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This is the same sense I intended to outline with tolerate; perhaps I should have listed undergo, receive and some more synonyms that also take the direct object.
 

Charlie Bernstein

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Suffer is an ordinary verb and doesn't need from after it. It has two meanings. The primary meaning is "experience pain."

When we follow it with from, we're describing the cause of the pain.

"I am suffering terribly."
"What are you suffering from?"
"A toothache."

Yes, you can say "I am suffering a severe fever." But be sure to spell severe correctly! Sever is a different word.
 

emsr2d2

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Teechar, I appreciate your disagreement. By the way! as you've interfered, why don't you just answer my question, of course only if possible.

There is no need for rudeness, UM Chakma. If you did not intend it to be rude, be aware that using "interfered" and "why don't you just answer my question?" certainly come across that way.
 

MikeNewYork

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For example, I use it this way; I am suffering from a severe fever. Can I express it as "I am suffering a severe fever", if it is not followed by "from" sometimes?

In my opinion, "suffering a severe fever" is far less common than "suffering from a severe fever".
 

UM Chakma

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OMG! I didn't mean to be rude at all. How can I act such a way when someone is trying to help me? I am terribly sorry about that! And thanks all, specially Emsr2d2 for correcting me. I always appreciate those who point out my mistakes. I still remember how Emsr2d2 inspired me to use right punctuation. This is why Usingenglish is much worthier. We learn not only English but also can have our mistakes corrected. Anyway! Thanks all.
 

Tdol

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OMG! I didn't mean to be rude at all. How can I act such a way when someone is trying to help me? I am terribly sorry about that!

Probably a vocab question rather than anything else, but do check out what interrupt means. :up:
 

Matthew Wai

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Two police officers suffered minor injuries at the protest.
'Two police officers suffered from the pain caused by minor injuries at the protest.'
Is it OK to add the text in red? Not a teacher.
 
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