a bereft

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bereft" is not correct in standard English usage.
The word "bereft" is typically used as an adjective and does not require the article "a" before it. Example: "She felt bereft after losing her beloved pet."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Before the taping, Ron gave Tina a bereft, searching glance.

The New Yorker

Mr. Vollers said they were the words of a bereft young man named Steven P. Truesdell.

The New York Times - Travel

She leaves behind a bereft family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

The New York Times

He had visited England for research in the early 1930s, but now returned, a bereft refugee.

The Guardian - Arts

As a bereft daughter, Kendall infuses her past with the grief of abandonment.

The New York Times - Books

I am a disillusioned fan of Hirst, a bereft former believer.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

I'm working and feeling a bit bereft without an OBO.

The Guardian - Sport

He always was and still is a limited man, a fossil bereft of vision or inspiration.

The New York Times

If schooling unlocks the gate to a bright and successful future, a childhood bereft of education erects nearly insurmountable barriers.

Unicef

He tore up hearts and families, left a state without its senator and a nation bereft.

The Guardian - Opinion

We have a White House bereft of intelligence and character, and a Congress bereft of morality.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the article "a" before "bereft". "Bereft" is typically used as an adjective describing a state of being deprived or lacking something. For example, use "bereft of hope" instead of "a bereft of hope".

Common error

Many writers incorrectly use the article "a" before "bereft", as if it were a noun. Remember, "bereft" is an adjective. Instead of saying "a bereft person", simply say "a heartbroken person" or "a grief-stricken individual".

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as an adjectival modifier, but its usage with the article "a" is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI highlights this error, suggesting that "bereft" should not be preceded by "a" as it is already an adjective describing a state of being deprived or lacking.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a bereft" appears frequently in writing, particularly in news and media sources. However, according to Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically incorrect. The word "bereft" is an adjective and should not be preceded by the indefinite article "a". To use the term correctly, consider options like "bereft of" or replace "bereft" with grammatically correct alternatives such as ""deeply saddened"" or ""grief-stricken"". Always aim for grammatical accuracy to enhance the clarity and credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bereft of

Omits the article "a" making the phrase grammatically correct and focusing on lacking something.

grief-stricken

Uses a compound adjective to describe someone overwhelmed by grief.

heartbroken

A common term for experiencing intense emotional pain due to loss.

deeply saddened

Replaces "bereft" with a more common synonym describing intense sorrow.

overcome with grief

Describes the act of being overwhelmed by sorrow.

stricken with sorrow

Highlights the impact of sorrow on a person.

inconsolable

Indicates a state of extreme sadness that cannot be comforted.

devastated

Conveys a sense of being utterly ruined or destroyed emotionally.

consumed by sadness

Suggests that sadness is the dominant emotion controlling someone.

desolate

Emphasizes a feeling of emptiness and loneliness.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "a bereft"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. "Bereft" is an adjective, not a noun, so it should not be preceded by the indefinite article "a". You can use adjectives like "heartbroken", "grief-stricken", or simply use "bereft of".

What are some alternatives to "a bereft"?

Instead of "a bereft", you can use phrases like "deeply saddened", "overcome with grief", or "bereft of", depending on the context. These options are grammatically sound and convey similar meanings.

How can I use "bereft" correctly in a sentence?

Use "bereft" to describe someone who is deprived or lacking something. For example, "She was bereft of all hope" or "The city was left bereft after the disaster."

What is the difference between "bereft" and "deprived"?

"Bereft" and "deprived" are synonyms, but "bereft" often carries a stronger emotional connotation, specifically related to loss and grief. "Deprived" is a more general term for lacking something. For example: "The city was "bereft of" resources" or "The children were "deprived of" an education".