consumed by sadness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consumed by sadness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being overwhelmed or deeply affected by feelings of sadness. Example: "After hearing the news of her friend's passing, she felt completely consumed by sadness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Even in times where we are ill, consumed by sadness, or exhausted from managing matters of the heart, teachers find it hard to stop working.

The Guardian

I was consumed by sadness and sorrow as the feelings of lack and loss overwhelmed me.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Dante was consumed by the sadness and mystery of sin — and what it did to the sinner: How is it that we choose to sin and wither?

The New York Times

But for him, there was no sadness in being consumed by the President's long shadow.

Independent

"This enables them to live with their sadness but not be consumed by it," one commenter said.

The New York Times

When I read the probation officer's report, I was in disbelief, consumed by anger which eventually quieted down to profound sadness.

The Guardian

But it's not just about sadness – for many people their lives are consumed by worry, the worry for their parents, their children and above all the constant worry of money.

The Guardian

Fats consumed by Alexander.

The New Yorker

Weekends were consumed by soccer.

The New York Times - Sports

How consumed by the moment?

The New York Times - Sports

— Marquette Coach Buzz Williams is consumed by numbers.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "consumed by sadness", consider what aspects of the sadness are most prominent—is it despair, grief, or melancholy? Choosing the right synonym can fine-tune your expression.

Common error

Avoid pairing "consumed by sadness" with other intensifiers (e.g., "utterly consumed by sadness") as it can sound melodramatic or cliché. The phrase already implies a high degree of emotional intensity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consumed by sadness" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating a state of being profoundly affected by sadness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly describes a state of being overwhelmed by intense sorrow.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "consumed by sadness" is a grammatically sound and effective phrase for describing a state of being overwhelmed by sadness. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase accurately portrays a profound emotional experience. While relatively uncommon, it finds its primary use in news and media contexts, where it adds emotional depth to narratives. When using the phrase, be mindful of potential overuse and redundancy with other intensifiers. Consider alternatives like "engulfed in sorrow" or "overwhelmed by grief" to achieve the desired nuance in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engulfed in sorrow

Focuses on the encompassing nature of sorrow, suggesting a complete takeover of one's emotions.

overwhelmed by grief

Highlights the intensity and burden of grief, emphasizing its overpowering effect.

lost in despair

Emphasizes a state of being completely immersed and disoriented by hopelessness.

burdened by sorrow

Indicates the weight and oppressive nature of sadness, suggesting a heavy emotional load.

sinking into melancholy

Describes a gradual descent into a state of pensive sadness and reflection.

submerged in grief

Suggests a complete covering and inundation by feelings of grief, similar to being underwater.

drowning in sadness

Uses a strong metaphor to convey the feeling of being overwhelmed and unable to cope with sadness.

gripped by grief

Focuses on the forceful and inescapable hold that grief can have on an individual.

suffering from profound sadness

Emphasizes the depth and intensity of the sadness being experienced.

feeling deep sorrow

A more direct and simple way to express the experience of intense sadness.

FAQs

How can I use "consumed by sadness" in a sentence?

You can use "consumed by sadness" to describe a state of being overwhelmed by intense feelings of sadness. For example, "After the loss of her pet, she was "consumed by sadness"."

What are some alternatives to "consumed by sadness"?

Some alternatives include "engulfed in sorrow", "overwhelmed by grief", or "lost in despair", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "consumed by sadness"?

Yes, "consumed by sadness" is grammatically correct. It follows the structure of a passive verb construction with a prepositional phrase to indicate the cause of being consumed.

What does it mean to be "consumed by sadness"?

To be "consumed by sadness" means that sadness is the dominant and pervasive emotion in a person's experience, overshadowing other feelings and affecting their overall state of being.