am in despair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "am in despair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a state of deep sadness or hopelessness. Example: "After hearing the news, I truly feel that I am in despair and don't know how to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

I am in despair.

The Guardian - Money

I am in despair about the future of telecare.

The Guardian

"I am in despair looking around the world at the moment" she told me.

Independent

I want to be strong enough to split from her. Oh Lord help me, I am in despair".

The New Yorker

I am in despair as I feel unable to work that long due to ill health and fear the loss of my home.

Independent

"AT the moment I am in despair," wrote Martha Graham in a letter to Jerome Robbins shortly before her death in 1991.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

I was in despair.

The New Yorker

"They were in despair".

The New Yorker

Jalloh was in despair.

The New Yorker

EU officials are in despair.

The Economist

The writer was in despair.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "am in despair", ensure the context clearly establishes the cause or source of your distress for greater impact.

Common error

Avoid using "am in despair" too frequently, as it can diminish its emotional impact. Vary your language to express feelings of sadness or hopelessness with different words and sentence structures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "am in despair" functions as a declarative statement expressing a state of profound sadness and hopelessness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Examples show its use in various contexts to convey intense emotional distress.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "am in despair" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that conveys a state of deep sadness or hopelessness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, supported by examples primarily found in news and media contexts. While not the most common phrase, it effectively communicates profound emotional distress. For alternative expressions, consider "I'm filled with despair" or "I'm overcome with hopelessness". Remember to use it judiciously in your writing to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm filled with despair

Changes the structure to emphasize the feeling of being overwhelmed by despair.

I'm overcome with hopelessness

Replaces "despair" with "hopelessness" to highlight the lack of positive outlook.

I feel a sense of despair

Modifies the phrase to focus on the feeling rather than the state.

I'm consumed by anguish

Uses "anguish" to convey a more intense form of suffering.

I'm utterly despondent

Replaces "in despair" with the adjective "despondent" for a more concise expression.

I'm in a state of anguish

Emphasizes the condition as a continuous experience of distress.

I'm feeling profoundly hopeless

Adds intensity to the feeling of hopelessness.

I'm crushed with desolation

Employs stronger imagery to depict the feeling of being emotionally devastated.

I'm sinking into depression

Indicates a progression towards a deeper state of sadness.

I'm losing all hope

Focuses on the gradual disappearance of optimism.

FAQs

How can I use "am in despair" in a sentence?

You can use "am in despair" to express deep sadness or hopelessness about a situation. For example, "After failing the exam, I "am in despair"." You could also say, "I "am filled with despair"" which is a very similar way of expressing the same emotion.

What are some alternatives to "am in despair"?

Alternatives include phrases like "I am overcome with hopelessness", "I feel a sense of despair", or "I am utterly despondent" to convey similar feelings.

Is it grammatically correct to say "am in despair"?

Yes, "am in despair" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard subject-verb-prepositional phrase structure to express a state of being.

What is the difference between "am in despair" and "feel despair"?

"Am in despair" describes a state of being, suggesting a prolonged or intense feeling of hopelessness. "Feel despair" is a more general statement about experiencing despair at a particular moment. While both express similar sentiments, ""am in despair"" implies a deeper, more pervasive condition.