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WHICH WORD?

Pain - Ache - Sore

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UPDATED:  JUN 2022

Learning how to use these three words correctly is difficult.    

Let's take a look at each one and learn how to use them correctly.  

But first, go to the verb "to hurt" then return here.

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ACHE

• Ache is a pain, but dull; not sharp.  
  
  
• Think: constant pain.
  
  
• I have a:  backache, earache, headache, stomach ache, toothache.
  
  
• Idiom:   He's aching for a promotion.​

EXAMPLES:

1. After working all day at the trade fair, my feet ache.
   
   
2. Does your backache after loading trucks all day?
   
   
3. You had better see the Doctor about that ache you have in your shoulder.
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4. I have a headache.  Do you have any aspirin?
   

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PAIN

Usually used with the verb "to have or to feel"

• It is stronger than "ache".
  
  
• It can come and go
  
  
• You have pain.
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• Idiom:   Bill is a pain in the neck.  ​

​EXAMPLES

1. The pain in my knee won't go away.
    
2. She has a pain in her neck.
   
   
3. The Doctor told me I needed an operation to stop the pain in my back.
   
   
4. Pain is a signal the body gives to indicate a medical or mental problem.

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SORE

• To describe pain in muscles.
  
  
• Sore when you move muscles.
  
  
• Used with the verb "to have" when use as a Noun.

EXAMPLES

1. My legs are sore from my workout at the gym.
   
   
2. I have a sore throat.
   
   
3. Idiom:   Don't get sore at me because you lost money in Las Vegas!

"Sore" is also a noun.

• Patient asks Doctor: 
  What are these sores on my foot? >​

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WHICH WORD?

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