a heartrending memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a heartrending memory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a memory that evokes deep sadness or emotional pain. Example: "As she looked through the old photographs, a heartrending memory of her childhood flooded back, bringing tears to her eyes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Afterward, she described the mass exodus in her diary: "It was a heartrending scene.

The New York Times

The WaPo has a heartrending story on the suffering being imposed on ordinary Greeks.

The New York Times

In recounting details of her performances in Russia and Poland, Hatto included a heartrending vignette of a visit to Auschwitz.

The New Yorker

Nevertheless, this is a thoughtful, entertaining novel built around a heartrending love story.

The Guardian

"Imitation of Life" is one of the great last films, a supreme cinematic farewell that concludes with a heartrending scene of leave-taking.

The New Yorker

A commentator in The Independent described Harding's picture of dislocation by war and communism as "a heartrending predicament expertly realised".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Domingo pulls off some amazing feats of interpretation in the third act: one line after another is given a heartrending spin.

The New Yorker

The people's expressions are striking, as their bodies melt and reform, a heartrending mixture of alarm and resignation.

The Guardian

Days later, The Observer's correspondent, the Anglo-Hungarian Lajos Lederer, filed a heartrending eyewitness account of Budapest's last hours.

The Guardian

Fellini is doing the reverse: he creeps up behind the vulgar trombone honk of ordinary life and plays a heartrending tune on the violin.

The Guardian - Film

Matthew Passion". In Bach's hands, this central Christian myth emerges as a heartrending tragedy, powered by twin engines of dogma and emotion.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a heartrending memory" when you want to evoke a sense of deep sadness or emotional pain related to a past experience. Ensure the context aligns with the gravity of the emotion implied.

Common error

Avoid using "a heartrending memory" to describe mildly upsetting events. This phrase is best reserved for situations involving genuine and significant emotional suffering, not trivial inconveniences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a heartrending memory" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "heartrending" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "memory". It's used to describe a specific type of memory characterized by profound sorrow or emotional pain. Ludwig AI states that this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a heartrending memory" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a past event filled with profound sorrow and emotional pain. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While no direct examples were found in the provided search data, this phrase is intended to evoke empathy and understanding, emphasizing the depth of sadness associated with the specific memory. Because of its serious implications, it's best used in contexts where such intensity is warranted, to avoid misuse or misrepresentation. Related phrases include "a painful memory" and "a tragic memory", all designed to convey the same level of sadness. Keep in mind that the communicative register depends on overall context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a painful memory

Replaces "heartrending" with "painful", focusing on the emotional discomfort associated with the memory.

a devastating memory

Replaces "heartrending" with "devastating", emphasizing the destructive impact of the memory.

a poignant memory

Highlights the touching and deeply affecting nature of the memory.

a heartbreaking recollection

Substitutes "memory" with "recollection" and "heartrending" with "heartbreaking", maintaining the emotional intensity.

a tragic memory

Substitutes "heartrending" with "tragic", emphasizing the unfortunate and grievous nature of the memory.

a sorrowful remembrance

Uses "sorrowful" instead of "heartrending" and "remembrance" instead of "memory", highlighting the sadness.

a bitter memory

Focuses on the negative emotions associated with the memory, emphasizing resentment and disappointment.

a deeply saddening memory

Emphasizes the profound sorrow caused by the memory, using a more descriptive adjective phrase.

a grief-stricken memory

Connects the memory directly to grief, emphasizing the feeling of loss and sorrow.

a soul-crushing memory

Emphasizes the intense emotional pain caused by the memory, using a more figurative expression.

FAQs

How can I use "a heartrending memory" in a sentence?

You can use "a heartrending memory" to describe a past event that causes deep sorrow or pain. For example, "The old photograph triggered "a heartrending memory" of her lost childhood friend".

What phrases are similar to "a heartrending memory"?

Similar phrases include "a painful memory", "a tragic memory", or "a heartbreaking recollection". These alternatives also convey deep sadness and emotional impact.

Is it appropriate to use "a heartrending memory" in formal writing?

Yes, "a heartrending memory" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing serious or somber topics. However, ensure the tone matches the overall context of your writing.

What's the difference between "a heartrending memory" and "a sad memory"?

"A heartrending memory" implies a more intense and profound level of sadness than "a sad memory". The former suggests a deeply impactful and emotionally distressing experience, while the latter is a more general expression of sorrow.