a very sad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very sad" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that evokes a strong feeling of sadness or sorrow. Example: "The movie had a very sad ending that left the audience in tears."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A very sad face".

The New York Times - Magazine

A very sad loss.

The Guardian - Opinion

A very sad hoax.

The New Yorker

A very sad list.

The New Yorker

It's a very sad thing.

The Washington Post

This is a very sad duty".

The New Yorker

This is a very sad moment".

Independent

That was a very sad thing.

The New York Times

This is a very sad goodbye.

The New York Times

It is a very sad day".

Independent

It's a very sad poster.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a very sad", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is causing the sadness. This adds depth and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on the phrase "a very sad" without elaborating on the specific emotions or circumstances involved. Providing concrete details will make your writing more impactful and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very sad" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe something that evokes sorrow or unhappiness. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase is used to depict emotional states or unfortunate situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a very sad" is a common and grammatically sound adjectival phrase used to express sorrow or unhappiness. As noted by Ludwig AI, it functions to convey empathy or personal feelings, particularly in contexts such as news reporting and personal narratives. The phrase is appropriate for neutral registers, making it suitable for various forms of communication. While it is generally correct, writers should strive to provide specific details to enhance the impact of their writing beyond merely stating something is sad.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terribly tragic

Emphasizes the tragic nature of the event and its sorrowful consequences.

utterly heartbreaking

Highlights the emotional pain and distress caused by the situation.

truly devastating

Conveys the overwhelming and destructive impact of the event.

deeply sorrowful

Emphasizes the intensity and depth of the sorrow.

painfully disappointing

Emphasizes the disappointment and the emotional pain associated with it.

bitterly regretful

Highlights the intense feeling of regret and the negative emotions involved.

extremely regrettable

Focuses on the feeling of regret associated with the situation.

grievously unfortunate

Highlights the severe misfortune and the deep sorrow it brings.

profoundly unfortunate

Stresses the lack of good fortune and the negative consequences.

woefully inadequate

Focuses on the insufficiency and the disappointing outcome.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a very sad" in a sentence?

Use "a very sad" to describe situations, events, or emotions that evoke strong feelings of sorrow or disappointment. For example, "The ending of the movie was "a very sad" moment for many viewers."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a very sad"?

Alternatives include "deeply sorrowful", "utterly heartbreaking", or "truly devastating", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a very sad"?

Yes, "a very sad" is grammatically correct. The article "a" is used because "sad" begins with a consonant sound, and "very" is an adverb modifying the adjective "sad".

What's the difference between "a very sad" and "a deeply sad"?

"A very sad" indicates a general level of sadness, while "a deeply sad" suggests a more profound and intense feeling of sorrow. The choice depends on the specific emotion you want to convey.