a relieved sigh

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a relieved sigh" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the sound or action of someone exhaling deeply as a result of feeling relief or alleviation from stress or worry. Example: "After hearing the good news, she let out a relieved sigh, feeling the weight of the world lift off her shoulders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

("I would get him away from that frightful dealer of his, though," he went on, to a chorus of relieved sighs).

Independent

"You could feel it in the happiness of the crowd that stayed for two hours singing 'Cielito Lindo.' " Propelled by those voices singing proudly and jubilantly in the stadium, and by the vocal celebrations and relieved sighs of millions throughout Mexico and the U.S., a certain noxious cloud and its stench was propelled, at least for the rest of this night, far out into the Pacific.

The New Yorker

"It's a victory," sighed a relieved McCarthy.

The Guardian - Sport

Even as what you're coping with becomes more challenging, you can deliberately pair any moment of tension or frustration with a sigh to shift your physiology into a relieved and more relaxed state, thereby enhancing your chances of seeing clearly and choosing to respond wisely to what's happening.

University of California, Berkeley

"Tough match," a relieved Federer conceded.

The New York Times - Sports

German Chancellor Angela Merkel also sent a relieved valentine.

The Washington Post

He and Betsy loosed a relieved laugh.

The New York Times - Sports

"Very well avoided," said a relieved Maconie.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

So Unai Emery spoke, a relieved man.

The Guardian - Sport

A relieved Laskau called it "my vindication".

The New York Times - Sports

He got a relieved laugh from the crowd.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a relieved sigh" to effectively convey a character's emotional state, especially after a tense situation resolves. It's particularly useful in narrative writing to add depth to the character's experience.

Common error

Avoid using "a relieved sigh" when the situation calls for a more active or celebratory expression of relief. This phrase is best suited for quieter, more introspective moments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a relieved sigh" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "relieved" modifies the noun "sigh". It describes a specific type of sigh, one that is caused by and expresses relief. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a relieved sigh" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to express a feeling of relief. Ludwig AI affirms its validity in English writing. While not exceedingly common, it's appropriate in various contexts, particularly in news and media. The phrase is best used to quietly convey a sense of easing tension and is often found in narrative writing. Related phrases like "a sigh of relief" and "a breath of relief" offer similar expressions with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A sigh of relief

Uses a noun phrase to express relief rather than an adjective and noun.

A breath of relief

Substitutes 'sigh' with 'breath' to convey a similar feeling of easing tension.

An exhalation of relief

Replaces 'sigh' with the more formal 'exhalation'.

A comforted exhalation

Uses a different adjective and noun to show the feeling of comfort.

A relaxing sigh

Focuses on the relaxing aspect of the sigh.

A calming sigh

Highlights the calming effect of the sigh.

A relieved expiration

Uses a synonym for 'sigh' making it more formal.

A lightened sigh

Emphasizes the feeling of being lighter after a moment of relief.

A contented sigh

Suggests a feeling of contentment along with relief.

A grateful sigh

Adds a sense of gratitude to the feeling of relief.

FAQs

How can I use "a relieved sigh" in a sentence?

You can use "a relieved sigh" to describe someone's reaction after a stressful event has ended. For example: "After hearing the good news, she let out "a relieved sigh", feeling the weight lift off her shoulders."

What is the difference between "a relieved sigh" and "a sigh of relief"?

While both phrases convey a sense of easing tension, "a relieved sigh" emphasizes the action of sighing while feeling relieved, and "a sigh of relief" emphasizes the relief itself.

What are some synonyms for "a relieved sigh"?

Some synonyms include "a breath of relief", "a calming sigh", or "a relaxing sigh" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a relieved sigh" formal or informal?

"A relieved sigh" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding text and situation.