a deep grievance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a deep grievance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong feeling of resentment or dissatisfaction regarding a particular issue or situation. Example: "After years of unfair treatment, she finally voiced her deep grievance to the management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The level of brutality, Wroblewski thought, suggested that the perpetrator, or perpetrators, had a deep grievance against Janiszewski.

The New Yorker

They won't change their literalistic anti-science, anti-education, anti-everything superstitions, so now they nurse a deep grievance against "the world".

Huffington Post

They won't change their literalistic, anti-science, anti-education, anti-everything superstitions, so now they nurse a deep grievance against "the world".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

That asymmetry can also be cast as symbolic of a deeper grievance – the perceived northward flow of subsidy and political favour to appease petulant Scots.

The Guardian - Opinion

And it also strikes me as true that white workers were acting out of a deep economic grievance on Tuesday.

The New Yorker

It looks instead like an attempt by Mr Yanukovich's government, which nurses a deep personal grievance against Ms Tymoshenko, to test the waters by assessing international and domestic reaction to her detention (which may last only a few days).If that is the purpose of her theatrical arrest, Mr Yanukovich is unlikely to be reassured.

The Economist

However, Brown's mood was sincerely upbeat – "I am fighting for my life", he said – and his language attractively formal – "What have I got to report to you?" Answering the one vaguely challenging question: "Why can't ethnic minorities be bothered to vote Labour anymore?" he even went so far as to admit the need to heal the deep grievance caused by the Israel/Palestine dispute.

The Guardian

The gunman, Man Haron Monis, who also died, was a self-styled sheik who harboured deep grievances against the Australian government and sought to align himself Isis extremists.

Independent

But she faces a much harder challenge here in dealing with deep grievances between the black minority and the predominantly white 1,000-member 1,000-member.

The New York Times

This election is particularly interesting to me because it allows us to imagine a model of how elections can be held following a period of contentious dictatorship, when one or more parties feels deep grievances for deaths, thefts, and damages from another segment of the society.

Huffington Post

Russia and Assad are changing the face of Syria from a country mostly populated by moderate Muslims into one with sectarian cantons and deep grievances.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a deep grievance", consider the context carefully to ensure the intensity of the phrase matches the situation. Overusing such strong language can diminish its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a deep grievance" for minor inconveniences or trivial matters. This phrase conveys a significant and deeply felt sense of wrong, so reserve it for situations where the level of offense truly warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a deep grievance" functions as a noun phrase, where "deep" modifies the noun "grievance", indicating the intensity of the feeling. Ludwig AI examples show it used to describe strong feelings of resentment or dissatisfaction.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a deep grievance" is used to express a significant feeling of resentment or injustice. Ludwig AI analysis of its use in news and media outlets confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for describing serious complaints. While relatively infrequent, it's a powerful way to convey the intensity of a negative sentiment. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with the gravity it implies, and consider related alternatives like "a profound resentment" or "a bitter complaint" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a profound resentment

Emphasizes the intensity and depth of the feeling of resentment.

a profound discontent

Highlights a deep-seated dissatisfaction or unhappiness.

a heartfelt complaint

Emphasizes the sincerity and emotional weight behind the expression of the grievance.

a bitter complaint

Highlights the expression of the grievance with a tone of bitterness.

a serious injustice

Stresses the gravity of the injustice that underlies the grievance.

a strong sense of injury

Highlights the feeling of being harmed or wronged.

a long-standing injustice

Focuses on the unfairness as the cause of the deep feeling.

a burning indignation

Focuses on the anger and outrage felt about the situation.

a festering wound

Uses a metaphor to describe the ongoing pain caused by the grievance.

a significant wrong

Points to the importance of the wrong that was committed, leading to the grievance.

FAQs

How can I use "a deep grievance" in a sentence?

You can use "a deep grievance" to describe a strong feeling of resentment or dissatisfaction. For example: "The community harbors "a deep grievance" against the developers due to the broken promises."

What are some alternatives to "a deep grievance"?

Some alternatives include "a profound resentment", "a bitter complaint", or "a long-standing injustice", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a deep grievance" in formal writing?

Yes, "a deep grievance" is appropriate in formal writing when describing a serious and deeply felt wrong. However, ensure that the context supports the intensity of the phrase.

What's the difference between "a deep grievance" and "a minor complaint"?

"A deep grievance" implies a substantial and deeply felt wrong, while "a minor complaint" refers to a less significant issue. The former carries a much stronger emotional weight and suggests a more serious offense.