acute sorrow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acute sorrow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deep, intense feeling of sadness or grief. Example: "After the loss of her beloved pet, she was overwhelmed by acute sorrow that lingered for weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

While so-called friendly fire casualties are a familiar part of war, Mrs. Prosser, 28, and Mrs. Davis, 36, were not alone in their acute sorrow.

The New York Times

Hizbullah's Kafr Rumman representatives complained that those choosing to cut themselves mostly Amal members were ignoring more wholesome ways to express the acute sorrow of the occasion.But amid a growing sense of isolation for the sect, all pulled together.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The death may change them in significant ways, and while acute grief may subside, sorrow may persist.

The New York Times

It can, at times, give you an acute longing – sorrow.

The Guardian - Film

There is no hyperbole in his description, only acute anguish and sorrow.

The New York Times - Sports

Just like you, they want freedom, good food, entertainment and may have acute feelings like sorrow, happiness etc.

WikiHow

He accepted as fact a claim for which there was no valid basis: that the prohibited procedure placed women at special jeopardy for acute post-abortion regret, "grief more anguished and sorrow more profound," as he put it.

The New York Times

The sadness was acute.

Vice

Sorrow, sorrow, sorrow, grief, and sorrow.

The New Yorker

"All that sorrow".

The New Yorker

"The Cure for Sorrow".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "acute sorrow" to precisely describe a sharp, intense feeling of sadness, often in response to a sudden or significant loss. It conveys a more immediate and intense feeling than simply saying "sadness" or "sorrow".

Common error

Avoid using "acute sorrow" to describe everyday disappointments or mild sadness. This phrase should be reserved for significant losses or intensely painful experiences to maintain its impact and avoid exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acute sorrow" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "acute" modifies the noun "sorrow". According to Ludwig AI, this describes a deep and intense feeling of sadness or grief. Examples illustrate its use in contexts involving loss and mourning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Acute sorrow" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a sharp, intense feeling of sadness or grief. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While "acute sorrow" is not as frequently used as simpler terms like "sadness", it effectively conveys a deeper level of emotional pain, often in response to significant loss. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When writing, be sure to use it to emphasize an immediate, intense feeling, avoiding overuse in less serious situations. Alternatives such as "intense grief" or "profound sadness" can also be employed to express similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense sadness

Replaces "sorrow" with "sadness" and "acute" with "intense", focusing on the emotional depth.

deep grief

Substitutes "sorrow" with "grief" and "acute" with "deep", emphasizing the profound nature of the sadness.

profound sadness

Replaces "acute" with "profound", highlighting the depth and significance of the sadness.

intense grief

Uses "intense" to describe the magnitude of "grief", rather than "acute sorrow".

sharp grief

Replaces "acute" with "sharp", suggesting a sudden and piercing emotional pain.

deep sadness

Replaces "acute" with "deep", conveying the depth of the feeling of sadness.

extreme sadness

Emphasizes the extremity of the sadness, similar to "acute sorrow".

piercing sorrow

Highlights the sharp and penetrating nature of the sorrow.

severe grief

Replaces "acute" with "severe", indicating the intensity and seriousness of the grief.

agonizing sorrow

Emphasizes the painful and distressing nature of the sorrow.

FAQs

How can I use "acute sorrow" in a sentence?

You can use "acute sorrow" to describe an intense feeling of sadness. For example: "The news of the accident filled her with "acute sorrow"."

What's the difference between "acute sorrow" and "deep sadness"?

"Acute sorrow" implies a sudden and intense feeling of sadness, while "deep sadness" suggests a more prolonged and profound state of sorrow.

What can I say instead of "acute sorrow"?

You can use alternatives like "intense grief", "profound sadness", or "sharp grief" depending on the context.

Is "acute sorrow" a commonly used phrase?

While grammatically correct, "acute sorrow" isn't as common as simpler phrases like "sadness" or "grief". It's best used when you want to emphasize the intensity and sharpness of the sorrow.