deep sigh

USAGE SUMMARY

"deep sigh" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express a feeling of relief, frustration, or sadness. Example: After hearing the news, she let out a deep sigh. Alternative expressions include "heavy sigh" and "profound sigh."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Deep sigh.

The Washington Post

Cue deep sigh.

The Guardian - Sport

A deep sigh.

The Guardian

Deep sigh, then, finally, success.

The New York Times

Their shepherd gave a deep sigh.

The New Yorker

Munn takes a deep sigh.

The Guardian - Books

She gives a deep sigh.

The Guardian

My driver let out a deep sigh.

The Guardian - Music

"It's a …" Then a deep sigh.

The New York Times

(Deep sigh). The mighty king Hamlet the Elder was dead.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tina says, with a deep sigh, "We can see Russia".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with a prepositional phrase like "of relief" or "of satisfaction" to clarify the specific emotion being felt

Common error

Writers often use "deep sigh" as a crutch in dialogue tags. If used too frequently in a single piece of writing, it can make the prose feel repetitive or overly dramatic. Ensure the context justifies the physical action; otherwise, consider using a more subtle descriptor like a "long pause".

Linguistic Context

In terms of grammatical function, "deep sigh" acts as a noun phrase typically serving as the direct object of a verb. According to Ludwig AI, it is frequently used to describe a non-verbal communication cue. It consists of an adjective ("deep") modifying a noun ("sigh"), which together function to denote a specific intensity of breath.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deep sigh" is a highly versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to punctuate narrative moments with emotional weight. Ludwig AI confirms its high frequency in reputable news outlets, where it serves as a descriptive tool to convey feelings ranging from relief to despair. While it is a powerful way to show emotion without dialogue, writers should be careful not to overuse it to avoid a melodramatic tone. When used effectively, it provides a rhythmic pause that allows the reader to sense the internal state of a subject or character. Whether you are writing a news report or a personal blog, "deep sigh" remains a reliable choice for adding emotional depth to your prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heavy sigh

Implies a greater sense of weight, exhaustion or burden

profound sigh

Suggests a deeper emotional or philosophical intensity

long sigh

Emphasizes the duration of the breath rather than its depth

weary sigh

Specifically denotes tiredness or lack of energy

audible sigh

Focuses on the sound being heard by others

breath of relief

Focuses exclusively on the positive emotional outcome

exasperated sigh

Clearly indicates frustration or annoyance

faint sigh

Indicates a much quieter and less noticeable exhalation

shaky sigh

Suggests instability, nervousness or being on the verge of tears

sharp intake of breath

The opposite physical action, indicating surprise or shock

FAQs

How to use "deep sigh" in a sentence?

You can use "deep sigh" as a noun to describe a physical reaction to news or stress. For example: "The manager let out a "deep sigh" before announcing the budget cuts".

What can I say instead of "deep sigh"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "heavy sigh", "profound sigh" or "weary sigh".

What's the difference between "deep sigh" and "heavy sigh"?

While both indicate a significant exhalation, a "deep sigh" often refers to the volume of air and the depth of feeling, whereas a "heavy sigh" usually emphasizes exhaustion, sorrow or a sense of being burdened.

Is it correct to say "heaved a "deep sigh""?

Yes, "heaved a "deep sigh"" is a very common and correct collocation used to emphasize the physical effort involved in the exhalation.