crushing grief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crushing grief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an overwhelming sense of sorrow or sadness, often in the context of loss or mourning. Example: "After the sudden passing of her father, she was engulfed in crushing grief that made it hard to get out of bed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

She couldn't sit in the grass without feeling such crushing grief that she had to go inside.

The New Yorker

One source of Marcel's novel is latent here, since its writing, we are told, "is linked to the crushing grief" he felt after his mother's death in 1905.

The New York Times - Books

On the benches where the families sat handkerchiefs were gripped tighter, lips bitten, tears shed and a horrible, crushing grief swamped the room.

The Guardian

Mr. Shatry displayed pictures of the memorial service, capturing him in a moment of crushing grief, with tears soaking a striped tie and light blue shirt.

The New York Times

And in a private letter to his Buddhist spiritual adviser, Zhao writes in a tremulous hand about his crushing grief at his wife's death.

The New York Times - Arts

But before the engagement is made final, her older sister, Esther (played by Renana Raz), dies on the Jewish holiday of Purim while giving birth to her first child, plunging the family into crushing grief.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Thinking adults won't find much of "Raise Your Voice" worth their time, but Ms. Duff's screen presence and the film's infectious high spirits will make this piece of fluff appealing to young moviegoers without conveying any sinister messages -- except the suggestion that soul-crushing grief can be "cured" in the short space of a summer.

The New York Times - Arts

When the funeral arrangements are discussed, his wizened mother, crushed with grief, insists that traditional custom be observed and the body be carried on foot by local residents the considerable distance from the hospital back to the village.

The New York Times

I stayed in front of the computer, my work forgotten, thinking of the parents who were rushing to Sandy Hook Elementary with no one to pick up and my heart was crushed with grief.

Huffington Post

So why do I feel this crushing sense of grief that after years of struggling and juggling, being a mother is not a job, just a title?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Instead, all those relatively insignificant emotions were replaced by overwhelming sorrow, paralyzing grief and crushing regrets.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "crushing grief", ensure the context emphasizes the intensity and overwhelming nature of the sorrow being experienced. It is most effective when describing a significant loss or trauma.

Common error

Using "crushing grief" for minor disappointments dilutes its impact. Reserve it for scenarios where the sorrow is genuinely profound and life-altering.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crushing grief" functions as an intensifying adjective ("crushing") modifying a noun ("grief"). As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys an overwhelming sense of sorrow. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing reactions to loss or tragedy.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "crushing grief" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an extremely intense and overwhelming feeling of sorrow, typically associated with significant loss or trauma. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most commonly found in news and media contexts. While semantically powerful, "crushing grief" should be reserved for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong expression, avoiding overuse in milder circumstances. Alternative phrases like "overwhelming sorrow" or "intense grief" may be more appropriate depending on the context. The phrase is deemed correct and usable in written English, offering a potent way to articulate profound emotional distress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overwhelming sorrow

Emphasizes the intensity and magnitude of the sorrow, similar to "crushing grief" but less physical.

intense grief

Focuses on the high degree or strength of grief, akin to "crushing grief" in severity.

profound sadness

Highlights the depth of sadness experienced, sharing the gravity of "crushing grief" without the forceful imagery.

deep sorrow

Stresses the profound nature of the sorrow, resembling "crushing grief" in its emotional weight.

heartbreaking grief

Indicates that the grief is so severe it causes emotional pain, close in meaning to "crushing grief".

agonizing sorrow

Implies that the sorrow is causing great pain and suffering, comparable to the distress of "crushing grief".

unbearable sadness

Suggests that the sadness is too difficult to endure, echoing the heavy burden of "crushing grief".

debilitating grief

Shows the grief is weakening or impairing, similar to the incapacitating nature of "crushing grief".

severe bereavement

Formally describes the state of intense grief after a loss, sharing the gravity of "crushing grief".

grievous loss

Focuses on the severe and lamentable nature of the loss causing grief, indirectly expressing the intensity found in "crushing grief".

FAQs

How can I effectively use "crushing grief" in a sentence?

Use "crushing grief" to describe an immense feeling of sorrow, typically resulting from a significant loss or traumatic event. For example, "Following the tragedy, the family was consumed by "crushing grief"".

What are some alternatives to "crushing grief"?

Consider using phrases like "overwhelming sorrow", "intense grief", or "profound sadness" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "crushing grief" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "crushing grief" is a strong term best reserved for situations involving deep sorrow and significant loss. Using it casually may seem inappropriate or exaggerated.

What distinguishes "crushing grief" from "sadness"?

"Crushing grief" implies a far more intense and overwhelming emotional experience than simple "sadness". It suggests a grief so profound it feels physically and emotionally debilitating.