a source of grief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a source of grief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes sadness or distress in a person's life. Example: "The loss of her beloved pet became a source of grief that she struggled to overcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

(She was also taller. Gibran was five feet three, a source of grief to him all his life).

The New Yorker

It's sobering to think that those horseless carriages have been a source of grief for a century now.

The New York Times

A source of grief is their "lost" son Deniz, born while his father was in jail for writing in a leftwing magazine during the 1980 military coup.

The Guardian - Books

The failure of his marriage, which ended in divorce, was both a source of grief and an inspiration running through all his poems, novels and paintings.

The Guardian

The Bushmaster is also a source of grief for Mexico, where it has become a favorite weapon of warring drug cartels.

The Washington Post

Mary treats her son's death less as a source of grief than as an occasion to reveal the chasm between his followers' belief in his immortality and her own skepticism.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

All are a source of heartbreak and grief and if left unresolved can have profound and lingering effects, such as depression, relationship breakdown, substance abuse and even disease.

Huffington Post

My very good friend Marie Colvin, of the London Sunday Times, was recently killed along with another colleague in Syria, and it's been a source of great grief and sorrow and introspection and loss.

Harvard Business Review

'These projects will be a source of permanent grief and regret for future generations,' says a Chinese geologist.

Yale University

For blogger Carmel Vaisman, who is writing her doctoral thesis in communications at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the electoral results are a source of enormous grief.

The Guardian

To those affected by the blast on Mount Gearheart the Japanese campaign is not a historical footnote, or a terror template, but a source of enduring grief.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional weight of the phrase. If you aim to convey a less intense feeling, explore alternative phrases that reflect lighter shades of sadness or disappointment.

Common error

Avoid using "a source of grief" in situations that only warrant mild disappointment. Overusing it can diminish its impact when describing genuinely sorrowful events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a source of grief" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something as the origin or cause of sorrow, distress, or deep sadness. Examples from Ludwig show it describing various situations, from personal losses to broader societal issues. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a source of grief" is a noun phrase used to identify the origin of significant sorrow or distress. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While the phrase is more frequently found in News & Media contexts, it is also used in Academia and Wiki sources. The related phrases, such as "a cause of sorrow" or "an origin of heartache", provide alternatives depending on the nuance you wish to convey. It's important to use this phrase judiciously, reserving it for situations that genuinely warrant a description of deep sorrow to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cause of sorrow

This alternative uses "sorrow" instead of "grief", implying a feeling of sadness or regret.

an origin of heartache

This alternative replaces "grief" with "heartache", emphasizing emotional pain and suffering.

a wellspring of sadness

This alternative uses a more evocative term, "wellspring", to describe the continuous flow of sadness.

a root of suffering

This alternative focuses on the underlying cause of suffering or pain.

a reason for lamenting

This alternative focuses on the act of lamenting, expressing deep sorrow or regret.

a generator of anguish

This option uses "anguish" to highlight extreme distress, anxiety, or suffering.

a font of misery

This alternative employs "misery" to describe a state of great unhappiness or suffering.

a trigger for despair

This alternative highlights the aspect of despair, suggesting a loss of hope and a feeling of being overwhelmed.

a catalyst for mourning

This phrase specifies "mourning", the process of grieving after a loss.

a ground for lamentation

This alternative uses more formal wording, suggesting a strong feeling of loss or sadness.

FAQs

How can I use "a source of grief" in a sentence?

You can use "a source of grief" to describe anything that causes significant sorrow or distress. For example, "The constant conflict became "a source of grief" for the family".

What can I say instead of "a source of grief"?

You can use alternatives like "a cause of sorrow", "a reason for lamenting", or "an origin of heartache" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a source of grief" in formal writing?

Yes, the phrase "a source of grief" is suitable for formal writing as it clearly and directly communicates significant sorrow or distress, making it appropriate for serious or somber contexts.

What's the difference between "a source of grief" and "a source of sadness"?

While both phrases describe something that causes unhappiness, "a source of grief" implies a deeper and more profound sorrow than "a source of sadness". Grief is typically associated with loss and long-term sorrow.