a heartbreaking event

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a heartbreaking event" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an occurrence that causes deep emotional pain or sadness. Example: "The news of the tragedy was a heartbreaking event for the entire community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"It's a heartbreaking event," Riordan said.

The Washington Post

When the next break approached, the narrator hooked us with "When we continue, a heartbreaking event that will change Patsy's life forever".

The New Yorker

"This is a heartbreaking event for the Richman family and the Newtown Community as a whole," Newtown Police spokesman Lt Aaron Bahamonde said in a statement.

BBC

I still see divorce as a heartbreaking event that maims children, at least the way it is often performed by selfish partners.

Huffington Post

When asked about why he came to the benefit, audience member Jordan Zolan replied, "I wanted to come out and show my support and to see something that brings a little joy and warmth to such a heartbreaking event".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

As we celebrate the independence of our nation this week, I am comforted to believe, to hope and to pray that, in time, we might reflect on this heartbreaking event as a harbinger not of hate and division, but of a new era of unity and peace in our nation for all its people.

Huffington Post

This heartbreaking event gives Anshaw a starting point and a through line for her portrait of this small group of characters, particularly the three siblings.

The New York Times - Books

"We were all stricken watching this heartbreaking event unfold," said Judy McGrath, the chairwoman and chief executive of MTV Networks.

The New York Times

In the years that followed, the hardships of life once again came knocking at her door and she suffered another heartbreaking event.

HuffPost

If you enjoy young adult books, full of witty humour and heartbreaking events, this book is perfect for you.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Lee chronicles these cruel, heartbreaking events of war with harrowing, cinematic immediacy, making palpable the excruciating violence and the huge footprint it leaves on people's lives.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and adjust the tone accordingly; while appropriate for news reports and serious discussions, it may be overly dramatic in casual conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "a heartbreaking event" to describe minor inconveniences or setbacks; this can dilute the impact of the phrase and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a heartbreaking event" functions as a noun phrase, where "heartbreaking" is an adjective modifying the noun "event". It describes an event characterized by significant emotional distress or sorrow. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a heartbreaking event" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe occurrences that cause deep emotional pain or sadness. Ludwig indicates the phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's essential to consider the register and avoid overuse in casual situations where it may sound melodramatic. Alternatives such as "a tragic incident" or "a devastating occurrence" can provide nuanced options depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a devastating occurrence

Emphasizes the destructive impact of the event.

a tragic incident

Focuses on the unfortunate and sorrowful nature of the event.

a deeply saddening experience

Highlights the emotional impact on individuals involved.

a grievous happening

Implies a severe and distressing nature of the event.

an emotionally shattering episode

Stresses the profound emotional damage caused.

a crushing blow

Conveys a sense of being overwhelmed by the event.

a painful ordeal

Highlights the suffering and difficulty associated with the event.

a calamitous situation

Focuses on the disastrous and unfortunate aspects of the event.

a soul-crushing moment

Emphasizes the depth of despair and emotional devastation.

a woeful circumstance

Highlights the distress and sorrow surrounding the event.

FAQs

What does "a heartbreaking event" mean?

The phrase "a heartbreaking event" refers to an occurrence that causes significant emotional distress and sadness, often due to loss, tragedy, or profound disappointment.

How can I use "a heartbreaking event" in a sentence?

You can use "a heartbreaking event" to describe a specific incident, such as "The loss of their home was "a heartbreaking event" for the family".

What are some alternatives to "a heartbreaking event"?

Alternatives include "a tragic incident", "a devastating occurrence", or "a deeply saddening experience", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a heartbreaking event" formal or informal?

"A heartbreaking event" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal and is appropriate for news reports, serious discussions, and formal writing.