altogether heartbreaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "altogether heartbreaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that is completely or entirely sad or distressing. Example: "The story of the abandoned puppy was altogether heartbreaking, leaving everyone in tears."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And to end the evening, she stood very still, center stage, and returned to early Sondheim with a quiet, altogether heartbreaking "Anyone Can Whistle".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's completely heartbreaking.

The Guardian - Music

So heartbreaking.

The New York Times

Heartbreaking x".

Independent

Oddly heartbreaking.

The Guardian - Tech

Heartbreaking, isn't it?

The Economist

Heartbreaking & too familiar.

The New Yorker

The stories are heartbreaking.

The New York Times

"It certainly is heartbreaking".

The Guardian

It's just heartbreaking".

BBC

"Closing was heartbreaking".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "altogether heartbreaking" to describe situations that evoke a sense of complete or profound sadness, particularly when emphasizing the totality of the emotional impact. For example, describing a story or performance as "altogether heartbreaking" effectively communicates its deeply affecting nature.

Common error

Avoid using "altogether heartbreaking" in trivial or everyday situations. The phrase carries a significant emotional weight and is best reserved for describing genuinely sorrowful or tragic events to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "altogether heartbreaking" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, describing it as profoundly and completely sad or distressing. Ludwig AI confirms its use in expressing deep emotional impact.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "altogether heartbreaking" is an effective way to describe something that evokes a complete and profound sense of sadness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, primarily found in News & Media contexts. It is best used to describe situations that warrant a strong emotional response, and writers should avoid overusing it in trivial contexts. Alternatives such as "utterly tragic" or "completely devastating" can be used to express similar sentiments with varying degrees of intensity. When employing this phrase, aim to highlight the comprehensive nature of the sadness to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuinely heartbreaking

Underscores the authenticity of the emotional distress, highlighting the genuine nature of the sadness.

utterly tragic

Highlights the calamitous and unfortunate nature of the event, focusing on its irreversible and sorrowful outcome.

profoundly saddening

Emphasizes the depth and intensity of the sadness, indicating a deeply felt emotional experience.

deeply sorrowful

Focuses on the profound feeling of sorrow and regret, suggesting a state of deep sadness and remorse.

completely devastating

Emphasizes the overwhelming and destructive impact of the situation, suggesting a more profound level of emotional damage.

absolutely devastating

Similar to "completely devastating", but adds a slight emphasis on the completeness of the devastation.

unquestionably tragic

Emphasizes the undeniable and irrefutable nature of the tragic event, leaving no room for doubt about its sorrowful nature.

thoroughly distressing

Focuses on the discomfort and unease caused by the situation, indicating a painful and unsettling experience.

exceptionally distressing

Highlights the unusual and significant level of distress caused by the situation.

entirely grief-stricken

Highlights the pervasive feeling of grief and sorrow, suggesting a state of deep mourning and loss.

FAQs

How can I use "altogether heartbreaking" in a sentence?

You can use "altogether heartbreaking" to describe a situation, story, or event that evokes deep sadness. For example: "The film's ending was "altogether heartbreaking", leaving the audience in tears".

What are some alternatives to "altogether heartbreaking"?

Alternatives include "completely devastating", "utterly tragic", or "profoundly saddening". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "altogether heartbreaking" formal or informal?

"Altogether heartbreaking" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's often found in more descriptive or narrative writing. It's appropriate for expressing deep sorrow in various situations.

What makes something "altogether heartbreaking"?

Something is "altogether heartbreaking" when it evokes a complete or profound sense of sadness, often due to loss, suffering, or tragedy. The "altogether" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the sadness.