suffer vs suffer from?

[keannu]

This is the definition about suffer vs suffer from in a grammar book, but in the dictionary, "suffer from" is for "diseases, pain, sorrow,etc" while "suffer" is for "injury, loss, defeat". Which is true?

1.He suffered a lot of pain.- When body or mind directly feels the pain.
2.He suffered from headaches. -When you are badly affected by diseases or accidents.

 

[luschen]

Both of your sentences use "suffer" correctly.

*** Not a teacher ***

 

[keannu]

Both of your sentences use "suffer" correctly.

*** Not a teacher ***

I mean, what is the usage difference?

 

[SanMar]

I think suffered from is followed by a specific/direct cause.
He suffered from narcolepsy (sleeping disorder). -specific
He suffered a lot because of his condition. -general

I'd wait for a teacher to comment on this as well.


Not a teacher.

 

[freezeframe]

You suffer something when you experience or endure it.

I'm suffering tremendous pain.
I'm suffering his company.

You suffer from something if it's the cause of your suffering.

I'm suffering from back pain.
I'm suffering from thirst.

 

[keannu]

You suffer something when you experience or endure it.

I'm suffering tremendous pain.
I'm suffering his company.

You suffer from something if it's the cause of your suffering.

I'm suffering from back pain.
I'm suffering from thirst.

But the distinction seems like a play on words, as when you suffer from back pain, you also endure or feel it. I don't know the fundamental difference. Some argue that suffer is temporary, while suffer from is long-term. I really need a clear answer, please.